The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to provide cancer survivors and their families living in northern Tasmania access to specialised support from a consultant nurse after their treatment has ended.
The Albanese Government is providing $583,000 to the W.P. Holman Clinic at Launceston General Hospital to develop and implement a three-year pilot project of care for cancer survivors.
The nurse consultant will provide specialist clinical advice to patients and their families relating to the challenges faced by cancer survivors. They will link patients to GPs and other health care professionals as well as local resources, including psychological care and community support groups.
The W.P. Holman Clinic is one of the state’s leading cancer treatment clinics.
Follow up services and clinics for cancer survivors improve their emotional health and continuity of care, leading to better long-term health outcomes and self-reported quality of life.
The care will be based on the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia’s principles of care for survivors, emphasising care that is accessible, equitable and integrated across all service levels.
The northern Tasmanian region project will aim to provide evidence of these benefits, to guide more widespread use of specialised nurse support for cancer survivors.
The project is one of a number of election commitments that the Albanese Labor Government is delivering for northern Tasmania, including a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at the Launceston Medical Centre, which commenced seeing patients on 31 July 2023.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The Albanese Government is delivering on the commitments we made to the people of Northern Tasmania at the last election, including a nurse consultant at the W.P. Holman Clinic and a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Launceston.”
“Cancer patients often experience physical and mental health issues that continue after their cancer goes into remission and acute treatment ends.”
“Better support for Australians with cancer, especially those in rural and regional areas, is a high priority for the Australian Government.”
Quotes attributable to Senator Helen Polley:
“This will help cancer survivors in Northern Tasmania to manage their symptoms and connect with local supports, as well as ensuring their doctors understand the ongoing challenges they face.”
“The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare and making it easier for Tasmanians to get the healthcare they need, when and where they need it, right here in northern Tasmania.”
“This is another example of the Albanese Labor Government caring and delivering for the welfare of Tasmanians. More face to face support that can make a real difference to treatment delivery.”
“This will make a huge difference in the lives of so many Tasmanians and their families facing a cancer diagnosis.”
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