QUEANBEYAN and surrounding regions can now lay claim to their very own McGrath Foundation breast care nurse.
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Newly appointed to the position is Sue Perryman who has been nursing for more than 30 years and has significant experience in oncology, palliative care and breast care nursing.
"I see my new role as a care coordinator supporting women and their families with dealing with breast cancer diagnoses at any stage," Ms Perryman said of her position based from Queanbeyan Community Health Centre.
"Also, I can provide education and resources to assist them through cancer treatment programs.
"The role is a pivotal point; they see GP, consultants, surgeons - there's a whole range of treatment options.
"It's being that one person that can be there right through that stage as moral support, psychosocial support, emotional support."
The service is provided free of charge and can be accessed through self-referral. Ms Perryman has already had 12 patients approach her since she started eight weeks ago.
"Everyone has different requirement or needs depending on their particular set of circumstances," she said.
"[Those who have already been in touch] have had a completely different set of circumstances. We've had newly diagnosed people, we've had people who've finished treatment or recurrence of their disease.
"They're all in completely different phases."
The Queanbeyan McGrath Breast Care Nurse position is one of 57 commonwealth-funded positions. It costs an estimated $380,000 to place a McGrath Breast Care Nurse in the community for a three-year period.
Ms Perryman, a Braidwood resident, said she is enjoying her role and in particular the contact with those in the community.
"I like the contact with the women and the automony. It's a community-based role so you can access people in their homes, it makes it a lot easier," she said.
"I like the support of staff and the role, generally out in the community, is really well received. At this point in time, I'm really enjoying it."
Professional practitioners as well as local families can self-refer to this service by contacting Sue Perryman on 6298 9233 or 6128 9883 from Monday to Wednesday.
