The Albanese Government is making it easier for cancer patients to find the support they need with $2.3 million, to the McGrath Foundation, over the next two years, to expand their "Find my Nurse" online tool to cover more cancer nurses.
For 20 years the McGrath Foundation has supported people across Australia living with breast cancer through their incredible breast care nurses.
In 2023 the Albanese Government made the biggest investment in cancer nurses on record and the Foundation is now expanding its service to recruit an additional 100 Commonwealth funded McGrath Cancer Care Nurses.
This means almost 250 Commonwealth-funded McGrath Cancer Care Nurses will be working across state and territory-funded hospital and healthcare settings by 2026-27, delivered through the McGrath Foundation.
For patients confronted with a cancer diagnosis, the healthcare system can be overwhelming - that's why the Albanese Government has invested in more cancer nurses and additional care for patients throughout their journey.
The McGrath Foundation is now developing a new McGrath Model of Care in consultation with the cancer sector to support patients at each stage of the cancer journey.
McGrath Cancer Care Nurses are experts in care and provide physical, psychosocial and emotional support throughout treatment. This support is free and available without a doctor's referral.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Albanese Government is a strong supporter of the McGrath Foundation's work.
"We are committed to doing all we can to support patients, families, loved ones and carers on the cancer journey.
"The Find My Nurse tool will have the ability to include information on all specialist cancer care nurses employed through hospitals, community services and the cancer sector more broadly including the Commonwealth-funded and other McGrath Cancer Care Nurses.
"This expanded tool will be so valuable to cancer patients and their families and will be located at mcgrathfoundation.com.au"
Quotes attributable to Holly Masters, CEO McGrath Foundation:
"We're incredibly grateful to the Federal Government for helping the McGrath Foundation expand our "Find My Nurse" tool.
"This will ensure more people experiencing cancer can find the support they need and help us work towards our purpose of ensuring no one with cancer misses out on the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse."
