The Territory Labor Government is improving health services through a joint funding agreement with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) that will see a dedicated Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse join the Top End Health Services team.

Today’s announcement coincides with the It’s a Bloke Thing prostate cancer fundraising luncheon. PCFA used funds raised at last year’s luncheon to fund part of this new role, which falls under the Expanding Cancer Services Project.

Funds raised by Run With Dad in Darwin, founded by Mix FM’s Katie Woolf, will contribute towards the ongoing costs of the role via the PCFA.

The position will provide dedicated prostate cancer care coordination for cancer patients at Royal Darwin Hospital and Palmerston Regional Hospital.

This will include supporting patients during surgery, acute treatment at Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre and interstate treatment.

Quotes from Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“The Territory Labor Government is improving access to quality health services and, thanks to this joint funding, we now have a dedicated Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse based in the Territory.

“Approximately 100 Territorians are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and this additional nursing position will provide them with continuity of care that will guide them through their treatment.

“This follows the announcement last week that Territorians diagnosed with rare cancers will now have access to new precision medicine after the NT Government joined the National Genomic Cancer Medical Program.”

Quotes from Run With Dad Founder, Katie Woolf:

“After seeing my dad receive fantastic treatment from a dedicated Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse I know how important roles like this are to patients and families.

“It’s fantastic to see the community work together with the NT Government and PCFA to fund this role.”

Quotes from PCFA National Chairman, Steve Callister:

“This addition to our nursing program has been made possible through the support of It’s a Bloke Thing Foundation, one of PCFA’s long-term partners, and the NT Government, who have both generously allocated funds towards this nursing position.

“Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is very thankful for such community and government support, which helps us fund Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses in 45 locations across Australia.”

Media Contact: Leanne Hudson 0427 687 079