18 January 2016

Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia (PCFA) in collaboration with Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) are pleased to announce the appointment of a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Care Coordinator for the region.

Christine Britton, who will be based at Wagga Wagga Community Health Service, commences in the role this week.

Christine will work closely with urologists, staff at the Riverina Cancer Care Centre and other cancer centres, GPs and provide an outreach service at the Griffith and Young Oncology units.

PCFA Chief Executive Associate Professor Anthony Lowe said the position will provide care coordination, educational and clinical support to men at all stages in the management of their prostate cancer.

"Christine has worked as a Registered Nurse for 10 years and has strong history in care coordination, having most recently worked as an Integrated Care Coordinator for the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network," A/Prof Lowe said.

MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford welcomed the appointment and said Christine has a background in urology and is familiar with many of the issues associated with the surgical management of prostate cancer.

"This is an exciting development for patients and families in the region who will receive specialised support and care," Ms Ludford said.

During her time as a urology practice nurse, Christine recognised the need for a prostate cancer specialist nurse to help men and their carers negotiate the health and community systems to obtain the help and information they needed.

"I am very excited to be chosen to take up this position and I look forward to providing support to men with prostate cancer and their carers throughout the MLHD," she said.

Christine will complete further studies in Prostate Cancer Nursing and will liaise closely with other Prostate Cancer Nurses across the country.

The provision of a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service is a PCFA initiative, which has been enhanced through funding support by the Federal Government. The initiative aims to improve the care of patients with prostate cancer and provides training, ongoing education and support to the nurses.

Christine Britton can be contacted through Wagga Wagga Community Health on telephone (02) 6938 6411.