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Sydney Adventist Hospital has a new specialist nurse on staff, bringing an extra level of care for bowel cancer patients.
Jessica Ratcliff is the hospital's Specialist Bowel Care Nurse, a role funded by Bowel Cancer Australia.
New South Wales' largest private hospital – also known as the San – has specialist nurses for other cancer patients, but Ms Ratcliff is the first dedicated nurse for patients dealing with bowel cancer.
She has worked at the San since 2007 in several roles, from enrolled to registered nursing, and in gastroenterology including colorectal care.
"I'm passionate about supporting patients from the moment they are diagnosed," she said.
"It's important that they know we are around from the beginning, and that they have someone to guide them and point them in the right direction for resources, support, and care coordination."
Ms Ratcliff meets patients in the hospital during treatment and on the ward after surgery, provides pre-operative and pre-chemotherapy education, and follows up with phone calls to provide ongoing support and referrals to services including at the San's Cancer Support Centre in Jacaranda Lodge.
The role also complements her work in the San's inpatient and outpatient clinic for stomal therapy – caring for people who have had surgically-created openings to help their body release waste products into external bags.
"Educating patients on how to manage their stomas so they can return to the most normal life possible helps alleviate stress and overwhelm," she said.
"Everyone has different support needs along their treatment journey.
"To have someone to translate medical jargon, give practical advice, and identify their needs early can be really helpful."
Ms Ratcliff said she hoped to raise awareness of bowel cancer, particularly in younger people, where symptoms could be mistakenly attributed to other causes.
It is the fourth most diagnosed and second deadliest cancer in the country, but often patients receive less support than those diagnosed with other types – which is why Bowel Cancer Australia is teaming up with hospitals to provide specialist care nurses.
"The main thing with bowel cancer is that with early intervention, it can be curable," she said.
"If you have concerns, don't be embarrassed – talk to your doctor. Early intervention really does save lives."
The San's Specialist Bowel Care Nurse service operates on Tuesdays and Fridays, providing personalised support, nursing advice, advocacy and information tailored to each patient's diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Claire Annear, Strategic Stakeholder and Community Engagement Manager at Bowel Cancer Australia, said having a dedicated specialist nurse was an important part of a patient's cancer journey.
"Jessica's role ensures that patients are supported, informed, and empowered to make decisions about their care from the very beginning, and we are so proud to be able to help make that happen," she said.
Ms Ratcliff works closely with patients referred by oncologists or through the San's weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, which this year celebrated its 20th anniversary.
She is part of the San's navigation team, which includes specialist nurses across multiple cancer streams, many of whom are funded by the San Foundation.
"It's a real honour to be there for patients during these hard times," Jessica said.
"Being able to explain their treatment and pathway in understandable terms, and help alleviate stress during such a vulnerable time, is the most rewarding part of my job."
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