New McGrath Breast Cancer Nurse for Sunflower Clinic
Mount Druitt Hospital’s Sunflower Clinic is home to a new breast care nurse, thanks to the McGrath Foundation.
Michelle Rosano has started work in Westmead Breast Cancer Institute’s Sunflower Clinic at Mount Druitt Hospital, where she is following her passion for nursing.
Starting her career as an oncology nurse at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Michelle developed a love for supporting people through their cancer journey.
When she took a role at Westmead’s Breast Cancer Institute, Michelle’s passion grew and she saw the profound impact having a dedicated breast care nurse could have on the lives of women and men diagnosed with breast cancer.
It was in her role at Westmead’s Breast Cancer Institute that she met McGrath breast care nurses from across Australia.
“I was so inspired by the stories of those nurses that it drew me to apply when a position became available,” Michelle said.
“I love being able to reassure patients and families at a time when their lives have been turned upside down.
“It’s nice to see the relief on their faces when they realise they don’t have to navigate this on their own.”
The role of a McGrath breast care nurse is varied and broad – from diagnosis, through to treatment and follow-up, McGrath breast care nurses provide emotional, psycho-social and physical support for patients and their families.
Michelle is a proud resident of Mount Druitt – a community she loves.
“I was drawn to the opportunity of setting up a new service for the community, and being able to provide support to people experiencing breast cancer,” she said.
“What I love about the area is that the people here are really community-minded, and they watch out for each other. They really appreciate the services that are available to them.”
Petra Buchanan, McGrath Foundation CEO, was thrilled to add another nurse to the growing number of nurses servicing western Sydney.
“It’s wonderful to see a nurse like Michelle so deeply committed to her community,” Petra said.
“McGrath breast care nurses are such an essential service – they provide patients with a friend, an advocate and a shoulder to cry on.”
Michelle’s appointment marks the sixth nurse that the McGrath Foundation has placed in Sydney and its surrounding suburbs.
Families in Mount Druitt, Blacktown and surrounding communities can reach out to Michelle directly without a medical referral on michelle.rosano@health.nsw.gov.au to access the free service.
