West Moreton Health and Ipswich Hospital Foundation (IHF) are teaming up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (1 – 31 October) to raise money for the West Moreton Breast Cancer Research Project, which would investigate the feasibility of a virtual breast care clinic to support patients after breast cancer surgery.
West Moreton Health’s McGrath Breast Care Nurses Karen Miles and Tamara Tomasev said, if adopted, the virtual model would be ground-breaking.
“What we want to do is expand on the existing after-surgery consultations, which focus on physical assessment and symptom management, to provide a comprehensive assessment of patient’s psychosocial health and quality of life,” Ms Miles said.
“The aim will be to decrease the burden of disease and improve clinical management by allocating more time for a comprehensive assessment that also promotes symptom management, self-care and education through improved patient-clinician communication.”
Ms Tomasev said: “When patients feel involved and supported in their care, they have better outcomes in terms of their psychosocial needs and quality of life”.
IHF chief executive officer James Sturges said the research project aimed to deliver local outcomes for local people using local researchers.
“This will make a meaningful difference to the people of West Moreton,” Mr Sturges said. “It is about local fundraising to support local research to help local people through local services,” Mr Sturges said.
“I hope individuals, groups and businesses in West Moreton will help us achieve this by supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month through making a donation or buying IHF fundraising merchandise and joining us to Go Pink on 23 October.”
West Moreton Health chief executive Dr Kerrie Freeman said it was hoped the research project would pave the way for a six-month pilot, using West Moreton Health’s existing successful telehealth platform.
“We don’t know of this model of care happening anywhere else right now, so this wouldn’t just be a first for West Moreton,” Dr Freeman said.
“This is another example of great innovation and research leadership by West Moreton people to advance person-centred care.’’
The pilot would be developed for anyone who has completed surgery and is going to have other treatment such as radiotherapy or hormonal therapy.
How to get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and support the West Moreton Breast Cancer Research Project:
- Submit a photo of your loved one for a breast cancer banner displayed at West Moreton Health sites
- Donate money or buy Go Pink merchandise, including T-shirts, tote bags, scrub caps and healthy pink dog treats for your pooches
- Pre-order pink macarons from Mama Mac’s Macarons or mystery pink ice-cream from Ungermann Brothers and go into the draw to win free ice cream for three months by guessing the mystery flavour
- Dress up and Go Pink on 23 October.
- Prioritise your health and get a breast screen. The mobile BreastSreen van will be
For information, visit: https://www.ihfoundation.org.au/breastcancer/
Breast screening service at Ipswich Hospital:
The BreastScreen mobile van will be at Ipswich Hospital in the East St entrance carpark from 12 - 16 October. Early morning, after hours and walk in appointments are available. A breast screen is recommended for women aged 50-74, every 2 years. Women aged 40-49 and 75+ are also eligible. To book, call 13 20 50 or visit http://www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au