12 May 2016
Thursday 12 May 2016: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) has commended the Shadow Minister for Health Catherine King for demonstrating her commitment to funding for the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Service if the Labor Party wins Government.
PCFA currently has 28 nurses working in regional and metropolitan hospitals across all states and territories, of which 14 are currently funded through the Federal Department of Health.
Shadow Minister King made the announcement today while visiting Launceston General Hospital in Tasmania. She announced that the Labor Party has committed to securing the existing Department of Health funded nursing positions for a further 3 years from 30 June 2017 and will fund an additional 14 nurses across Australia. This will bring the total number of Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses to at least 42.
According to Associate Professor Anthony Lowe, Chief Executive Officer of PCFA, the announcement gives hope that more Australian men affected by prostate cancer may have better access to this specialist service, especially in rural and regional Australia.
"We are pleased to hear that the Labor Party understands the importance of having the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses in the field and providing additional support to men and their families who are fighting prostate cancer," said Associate Professor Lowe.
"As we head towards the Federal election we hope that the Coalition will match the commitment and help PCFA sustain and grow the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing service."
PCFA recently announced the placement of a South West Queensland nurse who will service Toowoomba and surrounding areas. The latest nurse placement was possible through fundraising initiatives run by It's A Bloke Thing Foundation and Man Up!
For more information about the PCFA nursing program, visit www.pcfa.org.au/support/prostate-cancer-specialist-nurses/
