Archived Media Releases: 13 October 2008

Specialist breast cancer nurses vital for women’s care

The ANF today welcomed the announcement of funding for 44 new breast cancer nurses by Health Minister Nicola Roxon. ANF Federal Secretary Ged Kearney said nurses provided support, advice and vital clinical care to women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer nurses have been shown to dramatically improve treatment experiences a well as help prepare women, physically and psychologically, for the treatment process, Ms Kearney said.

“We are extremely pleased the Rudd Government has recognised the essential care and support that nurses provide to women with breast cancer by funding the McGrath Foundation to recruit and employ an extra 44 nurses.”

Ms Kearney said the commitment to providing breast cancer nurses in rural and regional areas was particularly welcome.

“It is a great decision for rural and remote communities but the government needs to recognise the need for incentives to attract nurses back to the profession and ongoing workforce measures to retain nurses in the public health system.”

Media Contacts
Ged Kearney, Federal Secretary 0417 053 322
Lee Thomas, Assistant Federal Secretary, 0419 576 590
Libby Muir, Communications Officer, 0413 834 979

The ANF, representing nearly 170,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.