Patients and families across Far North Queensland will receive a boost in cancer support with the appointment of Vicki Rutten as the region's first McGrath Cancer Care Nurse that specialises in gastrointestinal cancer. Vicki will be based in Cairns Hospital.
This appointment brings the total number of McGrath Cancer Care Nurses in the Cairns region to five, alongside four nurses supporting people experiencing breast cancer.
With around 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and over 160,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Australia this year there is a substantial need for specialist cancer care provided by McGrath Cancer Care Nurses to support people across Australia with any type of cancer.
Ryan Barlow, McGrath Foundation CEO, said the new nurse will provide free care and support for individuals and their families in the Cairns and Torres Strait and Cape regions with Cairns being the only major referral hospital in Far North Queensland.
"We are incredibly proud to begin to provide this vital service to people experiencing gastrointestinal cancers in the Cairns region with such a vast catchment area, as we are committed to our purpose of ensuring no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse"
- Ryan Barlow | CEO
"McGrath Cancer Care Nurses are clinical experts who help people with cancer and their families navigate the medical system by providing clinical, psychosocial and emotional support to people with any type of cancer throughout their treatment.
"We are incredibly proud to begin to provide this vital service to people experiencing gastrointestinal cancers in the Cairns region with such a vast catchment area, as we are committed to our purpose of ensuring no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse."
Vicki brings more than 25 years of registered nursing experience to the role having worked in medical, radiation and surgical oncology, whilst also gaining a postgraduate qualification in cancer nursing. Based at Cairns Hospital she will support patients and families covering the expansive and diverse Cairns Hospital Health Service catchment area.
"I am passionate about my role as a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse because I get to support people from the beginning of their cancer experience. Knowing someone is beside them each step of the way can ease fears and help people feel less isolated."
- Vicki Rutten | McGrath Cancer Care Nurse
"By providing personalised support, education and expert care coordination, I can help patients and their families feel informed, empowered and supported at every step of the way.
"It's a real privilege to walk alongside people during such a challenging time and provide care that is compassionate, personal and centered around what matters most to them. Being trusted to support patients is incredibly humbling, and it makes me proud to know that I can truly make a difference in my community."
There are currently 367 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia, and 71 supporting people with cancer throughout Queensland. McGrath Foundation nursing care is completely free. You don't even need a referral. Find your nearest nurse using the button below:
