Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer in Northern NSW now have access to additional culturally safe support following the appointment of two specialist Aboriginal Cancer Care Coordinators.
The coordinators are based in the cancer units at Grafton Base Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital, where they support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout their cancer journey.
Recruitment is underway for a third coordinator, who will be based at Lismore Base Hospital.
The specially trained coordinators provide free, culturally safe cancer care and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people diagnosed with any type of cancer.
Northern NSW Local Health District Director of Cancer Services and Innovation Stephen Manley said it was important to provide safe, culturally appropriate care for everyone, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may be uncertain about accessing health care at a time when they are most vulnerable.
“A cancer diagnosis can be very confronting and a difficult time for most people, and we are doing everything we can to support their care journey wherever possible,” Manley said.
“For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their social and emotional wellbeing goes beyond the traditional Western view of health. It is a holistic and interconnected view of health that includes the physical, cultural, spiritual, and social wellbeing of individuals and their communities.
“As health workers engaging with community, it’s important we understand this and provide holistic culturally safe and effective care, which is why we are so pleased to support these new roles in our cancer units.”
Tammy Johnson, who previously worked in community engagement, has been appointed Aboriginal Cancer Care Coordinator at Tweed Valley Hospital and said the role was significant for the local community.
“It is important to breakdown the stigma of a cancer diagnosis,” Johnson said.
“Many people still think a cancer diagnosis means you are going to die but that is not the case anymore. It’s important that we promote early screening for cancer and provide more education to empower the community to make better lifestyle choices.”
Carmel Monaghan, who previously worked as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Grafton Base Hospital, has taken on the Aboriginal Cancer Care Coordinator role and said the positions provided strong support for the community.
“It’s very important that an Aboriginal person is there to help staff understand our mob, the respect, the kinship, spirituality and connection to Country,” Monaghan said.
“It is important for us to do that and to educate the doctors and nurses about our culture. It is also important to help our people navigate the health system and understand their medical journey.”
The Aboriginal Cancer Care Coordinators work closely with Aboriginal Medical Services in the Clarence and Tweed valleys to coordinate patient referrals.
For more information about support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer, visit https://www.ourmobandcancer.gov.au/where-can-I-get-help-or-support.
For free health advice at any time, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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