This announcement is particularly supported by Shadow Minister Health, and Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast , Ryan Park, Member for Wollongong Paul Scully, Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson, Member for Bega Michael Holland, NSW Labor Candidate for South Coast Liza Butler and NSW Labor Candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney as this funding will provide the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District with an additional two McGrath Breast Care Nurses.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, with 20,428 women and 212 men being diagnosed annually in Australia.

Currently, eight Breast Care Nurses are funded by the NSW Government, but there is no certainty of their future funding past this financial year. Eight more were previously funded by the state government but the funding was cancelled in 2021. This included one specialised nurse located in Bega. They are now forced to rely on donations.

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 Cancer 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 access to the same nurse throughout their treatment.

Labor’s commitment today will provide access to this life saving care for all breast cancer patients in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region and across NSW, and we are proud to be the first state in the country to make this a reality.

Ryan Park, NSW Shadow Minister for Health, Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast 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 Nurses has been lifechanging for many families, and we are immensely proud to support this foundation and make this commitment.

 Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“Two additional McGrath Breast Care Nurses for the Illawarra will be a great addition to healthcare services in the region.

“The additional nurses will provide certainty for patients and their families that women in the region diagnosed with breast cancer will have access to specialised care and support.

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson said:

‘No matter where you live or what your circumstances are, you deserve the best medical care possible, and I am thrilled that this announcement means that every breast cancer patient in our community and across our state will receive that.

Member for Bega, Michael Holland said:

‘I have seen firsthand the amazing work the McGrath Breast Care nurses do for all patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

‘I am deeply grateful for both the emotional support and medical expertise they offer every single day and was deeply concerned when the NSW Government cut funding for one of Bega’s McGrath nurses in 2021.

‘I’m very proud of this announcement and know it will deliver better healthcare and support for our community and for those going through a very challenging time.

NSW Labor Candidate for South Coast, Liza Butler 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 on the South Coast and across 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.

NSW Labor Candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

‘We know that the care that McGrath Breast Care Nurses offer is life changing.

‘Not only do they play an integral role informed by their medical training but most importantly they offer vital emotional support for those enduring cancer.

‘I’m proud that if a Minns Labor Government is elected, that support will be offered to South Coast cancer patients.