Young’s McGrath Foundation breast care nurse Eva Larsen feels like she makes a difference.
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“It’s just a wonderful feeling knowing that you’ve made a difference and made life a little bit easier for a patient facing a breast cancer diagnosis,” Ms Larsen said.
Ms Larsen has been based at the Young Oncology Unit since 2017, taking over in the role from Nicole Carson.
“Patients can self refer” Ms Larsen explained of the role and its services.
“The service is free, it’s for everyone and it doesn’t matter if you’re in the private or public system,” she said.
Ms Larsen has been in Young since 2017 providing free physical, psychological and emotional support to more than 300 families in the Young region.
With extensive nursing and oncology experience spanning more than 22 years Eva is spreading the message that a McGrath Foundation nurse is operating from the Young Oncology Unit.
Prior to 2017 Ms Larsen worked in Wagga as a clinical nurse educator and breast care nurse.
In 2017 she completed a graduate certificate in Breast Care Nursing.
“That made me realise how much more there was to the role than what I was providing in the hospital,” Ms Larsen said.
“I mainly provided support for patients undergoing surgery and referring on to breast care nurses and community nurses for follow up care.
“When I realised how much more there was and a position became available in Young I thought, I really wanted to do this job, applied and was successful.
“I just love my job, its incredibly rewarding, knowing and hearing a patient say ‘I don’t know what I would have done without you’.
As a McGrath breast care nurse Ms Larsen said she provides support to individuals and the family affected by breast cancer.
“At the Young Oncology Centre I provide information about the types of breast cancer, the types of surgery available, investigations.
“I can provide resources such as booklets and follow up and of course emotional support which is so important, just being a constant, to be there for the patient and family when needed.”
Ms Larsen is based at the Oncology Unit Monday through to Wednesday from 8am until 4.30pm.
McGrath Foundation CEO, Holly Masters, said the support of a McGrath breast care nurse is invaluable, so we are thrilled Eva is providing this free service to the people of Young.
“Our McGrath nurses act as a patient advocate; they coordinate care not only for people with breast cancer, but also for the families and carers,” Ms Masters said.
“I’d encourage anyone looking for support to get in touch with Eva.”
People with breast cancer seeking support can contact Eva directly on 0467 798 240 or at evalotte.larsen@health.nsw.gov.au
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