Clinical Nurse Specialist Breast Cancer Care - Rachael Collier & Lyn Little
Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer is the start of an intensely emotional and often frightening journey. Women quickly find themselves in an unfamiliar world of complex medical jargon, technology and treatment choices. In addition to the physical treatment, women and their extended families face many practical/emotional and psychological demands.
The role of the CNS is to provide support and information to help women through this difficult time, assisting them to live as normally as possible while receiving treatment.
Some of the ways we may be able to help include:-
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To be the consistent link for patients, liaising with all services involved with the patient's care.
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A personal contact for women offering advice and information. Information can reduce the fear of the unknown but often takes time to absorb resulting in many unanswered questions for patients after a consultation. The nurse specialists are available to clarify information provided and be an advocate on their behalf.
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Attend hospital appointments to provide patient support.
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Link patients to Ministry of Health entitlements. (Prosthesis/wigs/transport).
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Referral to other specialist services. (Physiotherapist/Lymphoedema Specialist/Social Worker/ District Nurse/Maori Patient Services).
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Provide opportunity for a one on one visit with a nurse at Support and Assessment clinic.
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Provide information about community supportive services including Pink Pilates, Health Journeys, Sweet Louise Foundation.
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Referral to Cancer Society: Community Liaison Nurses, Look Good Feel Better workshop, counselling support, hardship grants, volunteer drives, support groups, lymphoedema education sessions, massage service.
Contact details for Rachael and Lyn are:-
