With support from the McGrath Foundation, as of April 2020, Hollywood Private Hospital has two Breast Care Specialist Nurses (BCSN) available to provide support to breast cancer patients. This is a free service available for HPH patients. Both nurses have extensive experience in the provision of nursing care and support to patients undergoing treatment or procedures for breast cancer.
Patients can be referred at the time of diagnosis to a Breast Care Specialist Nurse, allowing the nurse to support the patient and their family as they begin their journey and consider the treatment options available. The BCSNs provide individualised, patient-centred care across the continuum of care in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team from diagnosis, through the treatment journey and for longer term supportive care right through to survivorship or end of life, ensuring care coordination and communication needs are met to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Our BCSN practice incorporates advanced knowledge and skills in supportive care, including providing specialised and tailored information and education, psychological support, and clinical care. Practice is adapted according to the specific and changing needs of individual patients, taking into account their multiple health needs, concerns and preferences for care. The BCSN facilitates continuity of care between different phases of the cancer journey, care settings, care plans and care providers.