A Minns Labor Government will ensure New South Wales will become the first state in Australia where every person experiencing breast cancer will be able to receive the free care and support of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse, committing $19.5 million over three years to fund an additional 29 McGrath Breast Care nurses to support people right across New South Wales.
This means under Labor, New South Wales will have 45 out of 92 McGrath Breast Care Nurses funded by the State Government to help support breast cancer patients.
Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with 20,428 women and 212 men being diagnosed annually in Australia.
Currently, eight McGrath Breast Care Nurses are funded by the NSW Government. The Government only yesterday committed to continuing this funding.
Eight more were previously funded by the state government but the funding ceased in 2021. They are now funded by donations from the community.
McGrath Breast Care Nurses are registered nurses, specially trained to provide invaluable physical, psychological and emotional support, from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment throughout the course of their treatment. To date 48,000 families across New South Wales have been supported by a McGrath Breast Care Nurse.
A McGrath Breast Care Nurse in a full-time position supports on average 100 patients per year, with 90 per cent of women in Australia living within 75km of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse.
Research shows that getting early access within the first weeks to a dedicated nurse significantly improves the experience and outcomes of a person with breast cancer, including a reduction in emergency department presentations, reduction in clinical consulting time, and improved medical appointment attendance.
The key is that patients have free access to a specialised nurse who can act as their advocate.
Labor’s commitment today will provide access to this life saving care for all breast cancer patients in NSW, and we are proud to be the first state in the country to make this a reality.
Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader said:
‘I don’t think there is a person in the country who has not been affected by breast cancer – whether it’s your mum, your sister, your daughter or someone you know.
“The work of the McGrath Breast Care Nurses is invaluable, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for the work they do.
‘McGrath Nurses not only play an integral role informed by their medical training in liaising between patients and specialists and coordinating treatment, but most importantly they offer vital emotional support for those enduring cancer.
‘Today’s announcement ensures that no matter where you live in New South Wales, no matter your circumstances, if you are experiencing breast cancer you will have access to free care and specialised support.
Ryan Park, NSW Shadow Minister for Health said:
‘This is an announcement I am very proud to make today.”
“The McGrath Breast Care Nurses have already supported over 48,000 families across our state and this announcement will ensure they can be there for many more.
‘A cancer is a very distressing time, and navigating the healthcare system can be complicated and daunting. The McGrath Breast Care Nurses ease this journey by acting as advocates for their patients and helping to clarify technical or complicated information that may not be easily understood.
‘The service provided by the McGrath Breast Care Nurses has been lifechanging for many families, and we are immensely proud to support this foundation and make this commitment.
Jodie Harrison, NSW Shadow Minister for Women said:
‘We know that one in seven Australia women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and today’s announcement provides some certainty that if you do face breast cancer in New South Wales, you will receive specialised support.
‘To achieve gender equality in society we must take a whole of government approach to issues which disproportionately impact women. I am proud to be a member of a team who is taking meaningful action to improve the lives of women across our state.
CHRIS MINNS MP
NSW LABOR LEADER
RYAN PARK MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR HEALTH
JODIE HARRISON MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR WOMEN
