Newly appointed McGrath Breast Care Nurse Michelle Rosano is based jointly at Westmead Breast Cancer Institute’s Sunflower Clinic at Mt Druitt Hospital, and Blacktown Hospital, where she will provide specialist support to people with breast cancer from diagnosis through treatment, as well as their families.
The role of a McGrath Breast Care nurse is varied, and broad. From the time of diagnosis through to hospital treatment, referrals and follow up, McGrath Breast Care Nurses provide emotional, psychosocial and physical support for patients and their families.
Petra Buchanan, McGrath Foundation CEO is pleased to add another nurse to the growing number of nurses servicing Western Sydney, bringing the number in that region to five.
‘Our goal is to ensure that every family affected by breast cancer has access to a McGrath Breast Care Nurse, no matter where they live ‘ for free,’ Petra said.
‘While the majority of our nurses are in rural and regional parts of Australia, there’s a growing need for the service in metropolitan areas, so we’re thrilled that Michelle is providing this crucial service to families experiencing breast cancer in the Blacktown and Mt Druitt area.’
About Michelle Rosano ‘ McGrath Breast Care Nurse serving Mt Druitt and Blacktown
Starting her career as an oncology nurse at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Michelle developed a love for supporting people through their cancer journey. When she took a role at Westmead’s Breast Cancer Institute, Michelle’s passion grew and she saw the profound impact that having a dedicated breast care nurse could have on the lives of women and men diagnosed with breast cancer.
It was in her role at Westmead’s Breast Cancer Institute that she met McGrath Breast Care Nurses from across Australia.
‘I was so inspired by the stories of those nurses that it drew me to apply when a position became available,’ Michelle said.
‘I love being able to reassure patients and families at a time when their lives have been turned upside down,’ she continued.
‘It’s nice to see the relief on their faces when they realised they don’t have to navigate this on their own.’