The power of connection for your patients 

Healthcare professionals (HPs) play a crucial role connecting people to BCNA. 

This sentiment was echoed in our recent national survey of our members, where 57 per cent of respondents reported being referred to BCNA via a healthcare team, especially breast care nurses. 

Read more about our surveys to HPs and our members

McGrath metastatic breast care nurses Sharon Carey and Amy Cole are great examples of the power of this connection. 

Sharon has been a breast care nurse in southern Tasmania for 11 years, and a McGrath Metastatic breast care nurse for two years. In early April this year Amy became North-West Tasmania’s first McGrath metastatic breast care nurse.  

Building connection with each other is a powerful way they both see their roles working in tandem to ensure their patients are connected to the right support and resources. Working in partnership ensures patients receive consistent care across the state.  

“Sharon and I communicate well and consistently alert each other to patients travelling the state for treatment and reviews so our patients receive ongoing support,” Amy said.

“I recommend my patients visit BCNA’s website to find current and reliable information about metastatic breast cancer,” says Amy.  

“Instead of going down the rabbit hole of Dr. Google, BCNA’s website provides people with evidence-based and reliable information about their diagnosis in one place. There are different ways of engaging with information too – including podcasts and webcasts – allowing people to choose how they access their information.”

Amy also recommends BCNA’s Online Network as a great way for people experiencing a similar situation to connect at any time of the day or night.

"My patients are always so grateful when I tell them about BCNA’s My Care Kit – a free Berlei post-surgery bra. They love the kit and tell me it’s beautiful and makes them feel extra special."

Amy – who has worked as a treating oncology nurse for five years - is particularly passionate about working with and connecting the local services in Tasmania’s north-west.  

“I love being a breast care nurse as I am able to offer support, knowledge and guidance to patients and their families throughout their cancer experience,” she said.

“We make a difference by listening and building a rapport with our patients to ensure they feel well supported from day one.”