The Central Coast Cancer Centre at Gosford Hospital will be funded by the Federal Government to provide a prostate cancer nurse for the area.
The federal seat of Robertson is the latest location to receive Coalition Government funding for prostate cancer nurses in the community.
Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, joined with local prostate cancer support group representatives on Monday, October 30, to announce that the new prostate cancer nurse would be based at the Central Coast Cancer Centre.
According to Ms Wicks, funding for the national prostate nurses program was doubled in the 2017 federal budget, committing a further $5.9 million to support the placement of up to 14 additional prostate cancer nurses in areas of highest need.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is implementing the program over the next three years and will receive $11.8 million to deliver 28 nurses to locations around the country.
“We have seen that the greater coordination of care for other cancers has resulted in better outcomes for patients both for cancer control and psychological well-being”, Ms Wicks said.
“By funding this nurse, we can make sure men battling prostate cancer receive the necessary and timely coordinated care they require.”
Former Member for Robertson, Mr Jim Lloyd, said he warmly welcomed the announcement.
“As an Ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, I am delighted that the Central Coast region has now been successful in securing its own Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse,” Mr Lloyd said.
“With a high percentage of older residents living on the Central Coast, this additional support service will be greatly appreciated by the many men and their families who are diagnosed with Prostate Cancer each year,” he said.
These nurses will provide vital information, care and support for both patients and their families, as well as for health care professionals within a multidisciplinary team.
The will also give: improved access to specialists and services; coordination of care from diagnosis onwards; and continuity of care for patients throughout the entire cancer journey.
Source:
Media release, Oct 27
Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks