I see so much promotion of McGrath BC Nurses.I just wonder how they decide who to see?I don't know many women in Adelaide, who have access to one.Are they available in all states?Have many of you, my fellow BC ladies, have seen one of these Nurses?Are they only for patients in the Public sector?Just curious.

Adding to the above helpful information @Abbeydog (which is correct). We have this very question asked on the Helpline and often we say if someone hasn't been recommended a Breast Care Nurse (McGrath or otherwise) then the important thing for them to do is ask "Who is the person who will support me if I have any questions?". This could be a registered nurse, general practice nurse, oncology nurse - in the private setting I have even heard of a 'Cancer Care Navigator'. It can be confusing for those who are not in metro area and those in the private system, as the multidisciplinary team may not be applicable. Pip and Sally on the McGrath Foundation Telephone Support Line 1800 183 338 would be happy to discuss I'm sure.

Definitely seems these McGarth nurses are for public patients and no support if you are private. Then if private it seems support depends on the hospital your treated at. So much for equality in Australia. After i stopped nursing as a career (I was a nurse for 10 yrs) I have always thought the best approach to health care is to be the project manager of your own health. You have to advocate for yourself and to do this you need to educate yourself in your health issues. If you do this it helps with meaningful conversations with drs etc and you can engage the other health providers as needed. Not easy but in this world nothing is. It's hard work having chronic health issues.

My understanding of the McGrath nurse system is that they are not stand alone but are employed with the collaboration of a local hospital or health service. Office and consulting space etc is provided by the hospital. I’m not sure if this is exclusively within the public system but private hospitals often employ their own staff and the McGrath nurses may not have visiting rights in private hospitals unless under special arrangements.Everyone with breast cancer can self refer to a McGrath BCN but they may not be able to see you as an inpatient for this reason. They can certainly see you after discharge.As others have mentioned, the resources can be very stretched at times, but if you have specific concerns, I’m sure they would try to help. It’s a great service but it doesn’t have unlimited resources. There is very detailed reporting required by the foundation to show where the needs are increasing but that doesn’t always mean there is more money available to increase resources.

@Abbydog - @arpie is correct, you can refer yourself to a McGrath nurse. Just call the foundation and make the request to see one. Not everyone has access to a nurse as they are very busy so spread thin.All the best and let us know how you get on.

Thakyou for your advice.I don't need a BC Nurse now. I just wondered how well shared around they are.I did try contacting one at a time of need.She didn't make herself very available. It seemed like she was working in a public hospital, with other duties.Nothing like the TV/Media

Who gets to see McGrath Breast Care Nurses?

Abbydog
Member
2 years ago
Thakyou for your advice.
I don't need a BC Nurse now.
I just wondered how well shared around they are.
I did try contacting one at a time of need.
She didn't make herself very available.
It seemed like she was working in a public hospital, with other duties.
Nothing like the TV/Media
Mez_BCNA
Community Manager
2 years ago
Adding to the above helpful information @Abbeydog (which is correct). We have this very question asked on the Helpline and often we say if someone hasn't been recommended a Breast Care Nurse (McGrath or otherwise) then the important thing for them to do is ask "Who is the person who will support me if I have any questions?". This could be a registered nurse, general practice nurse, oncology nurse - in the private setting I have even heard of a 'Cancer Care Navigator'. It can be confusing for those who are not in metro area and those in the private system, as the multidisciplinary team may not be applicable. Pip and Sally on the McGrath Foundation Telephone Support Line
1800 183 338
would be happy to discuss I'm sure.
June1952
Member
2 years ago
@Abbydog - @arpie is correct, you can refer yourself to a McGrath nurse. Just call the foundation and make the request to see one. Not everyone has access to a nurse as they are very busy so spread thin.
All the best and let us know how you get on.
arpie
Member
2 years ago
@Abbydog I 'think' the McGrath Nurses are more active with Public Patients ..... I went private for my surgery & my surgeon had a 'nurse' but she didn't always get back to me .... and when I returned to my rural town, the closest BC Nurse (1/2hr away) had resigned & wasn't replaced for some time, so I didn't get to use them either!

I think your medical team or GP can line you up with one? But you should be able to find the 'closest one' on the map & give them a call yourself, too.
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/

They are available in all states - You can click on the ''face'' closest to you - and it gives the Nurse's name, photo, address & phone number .....

I also think they are more active in the City areas, not so much regional? As you can see on 'their map', there are HEAPS in the city areas ...
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse/

Here's the Sth Aussie ones ....

Take care & all the best for Xmas & New Year xx

Forum Discussion

Who gets to see McGrath Breast Care Nurses?

1800 183 338

Related Content

McGrath Nurses

Breast care support nurses/ McGrath breast nurses - Do they follow through?

McGrath Foundation nurses

Breast Care Nurses

Having breasts removed

Recent Discussions

Sore toenails

Do you have lymphoedema?

BreastScreen NSW now to advise of Breast density

Election called

Travelling overseas with zoladex injections

Disclaimer:

Foundation partner	Major partners