Boost to breast cancer care

Liz Newstead is the McGrath Foundation's first breast care nurse for the Casey-Cardinia region.

The McGrath Foundation’s first breast care nurse for Casey Cardinia has been appointed.
In a boost to local cancer care, Liz Newstead will service the needs of local breast cancer patients three days a week via St John of God Berwick Hospital (SJGBH).
A nurse of more than 20 years, Ms Newstead has been working with the hospital one day a week since 2007, but her appointment with the McGrath Foundation will see her become the principal liaison between local patients and the specialists who treat them.
Along with an advocacy role, Ms Newstead will offer vital emotional support to patients during what can be an extremely difficult time.
McGrath Breast Care nurses are placed across the country and are specially trained to manage the care of breast cancer patients throughout the course of their treatment.
The foundation’s ultimate aim is to provide every family affected by the deadly disease with access to a breast care nurse, at no cost.
SJGBH director of Nursing Lisa Evans said Ms Newstead’s appointment would be invaluable to the hospital.
“The physical, psychological and emotional help she can offer our patients and their families from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment and recovery is an invaluable resource to our local community,” Ms Evans said.
Ms Newstead said she was passionate about providing quality care for all women and men diagnosed with breast cancer locally.
“I feel very privileged to develop my role as a McGrath Breast Care Nurse while being given this opportunity to provide emotional and psychological support to patients, their family and/or carer throughout their breast cancer experience,” Ms Newstead said.
For more information, contact the hospital.