The Territory Labor Government isimproving health services through a joint funding agreement with the ProstateCancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) that will see a dedicated Prostate CancerSpecialist Nurse join the Top End Health Services team.
Todays announcement coincides with the Its aBloke Thing prostate cancer fundraising luncheon. PCFA used funds raised atlast years luncheon to fund part of this new role, which falls under the Expanding Cancer Services Project.
Funds raised by Run With Dad in Darwin,founded by Mix FMs Katie Woolf, will contribute towards the ongoing costs ofthe role via the PCFA.
The position will provide dedicatedprostate cancer care coordination for cancer patients at Royal Darwin Hospitaland Palmerston Regional Hospital.
This will include supporting patientsduring surgery, acute treatment at Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre andinterstate treatment.
As noted by Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
The Territory LaborGovernment is improving access to quality health services and, thanks tothis joint funding, we now have a dedicated Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursebased in the Territory.
Approximately 100 Territorians are diagnosed withprostate cancer each year, and this additional nursing position will providethem with continuity of care that will guide them through their treatment.
This follows the announcementlast week that Territorians diagnosed with rare cancers will now have access tonew precision medicine after the NT Government joined the National GenomicCancer Medical Program.
As noted by Run With Dad Founder, Katie Woolf:
After seeing my dad receive fantastic treatment froma dedicated Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse I know how important roles likethis are to patients and families.
Its fantastic to see the community work togetherwith the NT Government and PCFA to fund this role.
As noted by PCFA National Chairman, Steve Callister:
This addition to our nursing programhas been made possible through the support of Its a Bloke Thing Foundation,one of PCFAs long-term partners, and the NT Government, who have bothgenerously allocated funds towards this nursing position.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australiais very thankful for such community and government support, which helps us fundProstate Cancer Specialist Nurses in 45 locations across Australia.
