Grampians Health has welcomed two McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, who will add on to an existing McGrath Cancer Nurse supporting people experiencing breast cancer at the health service. Melanie Alford in Ballarat and Leah Adams in Horsham will now provide specialised support to cancer patients, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care throughout their treatment journey. 

Cancer care nurses play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary team, offering emotional support, education, and coordination of care. Their presence ensures that patients and their families have access to the necessary resources and support throughout their cancer journey. 

“At Grampians Health, we are dedicated to enhancing cancer care through the expertise and compassion of our nursing staff,” said Ben Kelly, Chief Operating Officer at Grampians Health. 

“The addition of Melanie and Leah to our team allows us to provide more wholesome support to our patients who are going through a difficult phase of their lives. This expansion of cancer nursing cover is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to support the community and improve cancer care outcomes.” 

In regional Victoria, approximately 34,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. This highlights the critical need for specialised nursing support to manage the growing number of cancer cases and improve patient outcomes. 

To further support those affected with cancer in the region, Grampians Health has improved nursing cover across several areas. An oncology nursing practitioner role was established in 2023 to manage complex patient cases and provide advanced clinical care. This was complemented by specialist oncology nurses across our Symptom and Urgent Review Clinic in Ballarat to support patients experiencing side effects during their cancer treatment. 

Grampians Health has also increased nursing support within the chemotherapy day unit to ensure that patients undergoing chemotherapy receive timely and personalised care, improving their overall treatment experience and outcomes. 

“While our cancer care nursing team – spread across our sites in Stawell, Horsham and Ballarat – provide invaluable support to our patients and their families, they are also integral to the oncology care team. These nurses are invaluable to the oncologists as they help coordinate care, manage symptoms, and provide critical insights into patient needs and progress,” said Catherine Heywood, Director of Ambulatory Care and Outpatient Services at Grampians Health. 

“As we mark International Nurses Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our nursing heroes who help us provide compassionate care to our patients.” 

Grampians Health remains committed to advancing cancer care and supporting patients and their families through every step of their journey. The expansion of the cancer care nursing team is a vital part of this mission, ensuring that the community receives the highest quality of care and support.