General News
17 May, 2025
Grampians Health boosts cancer nursing team
Grampians Health has strengthened its cancer care services by expanding its nursing team and enhancing support for individuals and families across the region.
Two new McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, Melanie Alford in Ballarat and Leah Adams in Horsham, have joined the team, boosting the service's capacity to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients.
They will work alongside the existing McGrath Breast Care Nurse, offering specialised, compassionate support throughout the patient's treatment journey.
Grampians Health chief operating officer Ben Kelly said that the organisation is enhancing cancer care through the expertise and compassion of our nursing staff.
"The addition of Melanie and Leah to our team allows us to provide more wholesome support to our patients who are going through a difficult phase of their lives," he said.
"This expansion of cancer nursing cover is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to support the community and improve cancer care outcomes."
Cancer care nurses play a vital role within the multidisciplinary care team, providing emotional support, education, and coordination to ensure patients and their families receive the help they need.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 34,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed in regional Victoria each year.
Grampians Health is responding to this demand by bolstering its workforce and services.
In 2023, the health service introduced an oncology nurse practitioner role to manage complex patient cases and deliver advanced clinical care.
It also strengthened its Symptom and Urgent Review Clinic in Ballarat with specialist oncology nurses, helping patients manage side effects during treatment.
Additional nursing support has been added to the chemotherapy day unit to ensure timely, personalised care for patients undergoing treatment.
Ambulatory Care and Outpatient Services director Catherine Heywood said our cancer care nursing team also helps oncologists in patients' progress.
"While our cancer care nursing team – spread across our sites in Stawell, Horsham and Ballarat – provide invaluable support to our patients and their families, they are also integral to the oncology care team," she said.
"These nurses are invaluable to the oncologists as they help coordinate care, manage symptoms, and provide critical insights into patient needs and progress."