A nurse dedicated to caring for people with metastatic — or stage four — breast cancer has started at Peel Health Campus in a first for the region.
Louise Davies is the McGrath Foundation’s first local metastatic breast care nurse.
She will provide specialist guidance and clinical care to patients and their families across the South Metropolitan Health Service.
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READ NOWMetastatic breast cancer means the disease has spread to other parts of the body, with treatment focused on prolonging and maximising quality of life.
Ms Davies has been a registered nurse for more than 20 years after earning her qualification in the UK, and her experience includes oncology and palliative care.
She said her role was to be an advocate for the patient and provide physical, psychological and emotional support from diagnosis and throughout treatment.
“We are there to answer questions patients and families have, clarify and help patients and families understand medical information and treatments and their options, co-ordinate care and liaise with other health care team specialists, connect patients to community-based resources and offer emotional support,” Ms Davies said.
“For me, it’s being able to support patients so they can live the best life possible by bringing a warm and caring presence to my role.”
The foundation has had a breast care nurse supporting Mandurah patients for several years but chief executive Holly Masters said the needs of people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer differed to those with early stage breast cancer.
“It’s imperative that patients with metastatic breast cancer have access to ongoing support, requiring a unique approach to treatment and care, which is why we are proud to provide the first position of this kind in Mandurah,” she said.
There are 21 McGrath breast care nurses throughout WA, with five dedicated to caring for metastatic patients. Support is free and available without a referral.
More information here.