Specialist lung cancer nurses needed desperately in regional NSW
09 Mar 2023
Professor Lucy Morgan, Leading Respiratory Physician and Chair of Lung Foundation Australia said in NSW, there is no access to a specialist lung cancer nurse in four of the seven rural and regional local health districts, yet these regions account for almost 60 percent of lung cancer in the state.
“We’re urging the government to invest in 12 specialist lung cancer (SLC) nurses to support NSW residents in regional and rural areas. It’s well under what’s best practice, but it would be a small step in the right direction,” Prof Morgan said.
“We know SLC nurses add huge value to the care, support, guidance, and advice for patients. Evidence shows there are 75 percent fewer avoidable emergency department presentations when a specialist lung cancer nurse is involved in care.”
Support advocate and person living with lung cancer Danielle said she was one of the lucky few to have access to an SLC nurse and knows first-hand the difference they make.
“I can’t overstate how important it was having access (to an SLC). It makes me incredibly sad for anyone who is going through this process without them, it would be a much more lonely and lost experience,” Danielle said.
“Anyone with lungs can get lung disease, not just smokers. Everyone deserves the same level of care.”
