Sydney's North Shore will receive a boost in cancer support with the appointment of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Monica Xu specialising in supporting people experiencing gastrointestinal cancers.
Based at Northern Sydney Cancer Centre at Royal North Shore Hospital, Monica's appointment brings the total number of McGrath Cancer Care Nurses in the area to three, joining two existing roles 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 year1 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 North Shore community.
"We are incredibly proud to begin to provide this vital service to people experiencing gastrointestinal cancer in Sydney's North Shore, 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 cancer in Sydney's North Shore, as we are committed to our purpose of ensuring no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse," Barlow continued.
Monica, who brings almost 10 years' experience in registered nursing with the majority of this specialising in oncology, said:
"I am passionate about being a strong advocate for my patients and working as a consistent point of contact throughout their cancer experience. I am proud to be someone that my patients and their families can rely on for support, expert clinical advice and guidance when they need it most"
- Monica Xu | McGrath Cancer Care Nurse
"I want to ensure that all of my patients feel heard, cared for and supported during a challenging and overwhelming time in their life."
There are currently 343 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia, and 122 supporting people with cancer throughout New South Wales. McGrath Foundation nursing care is completely free. You don't even need a referral.
