One of our first opportunities to gather in person this year was at the recent TOGA Annual Scientific Meeting, in Sydney. A comprehensive program over two days featured our specialist lung cancer nurse colleagues, Helen Westman,Lung Cancer Nurse Consultant, Royal North Shore Hospital and Melissa Laan, Lung Cancer Nurse Consultant, Royal Adelaide Hospital, who participated in multidisciplinary team panel discussions and who instilled in the audience no uncertainty of the important, busy and critical role of the specialist lung cancer nurse.
Adrienne Mackenzie, Respiratory Clinical Nurse Consultant, Alice Springs Hospital, gave a stunning presentation on culturally sensitive practice. Speaking to a silent room, Adrienne reminded us of the importance of listening to patients and of not imposing our values when it comes to care delivery. We thank Adrienne for her moving presentation.
Congratulations to Melissa Laan on winning the TOGA best poster award for her study on time to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer patients at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The study provided critical information on gaps in service and an understanding on how to better support patients through this early stage in their pathway. Well done, Melissa!
It was fabulous also to see old colleagues and friends, Mary Duffy, Melanie Rabbets, Beth Ivimey, Sandra Nicholls and Amy O’Donnell, and meet new nursing colleagues. Thank you, Sara McLaughlin-Barrett and TOGA, for bringing us together and hosting a successful ASM.
L-R: Catriona Grennan, Mary Duffy, Vanessa Brunelli, Mel Laan, Sandra Nicholls, Helen Westman, Sara McLaughlin-Barret, Paula Nelson, Adrienne Mackenzie, Georgina Paterson, Amy O’Donnell, Robyn Kim
L-R: Vanessa Brunelli (Chair), Paula Nelson (Victoria co-Representative and Thoracic Surgery Liaison), Sara McLaughlin-Barrett (Victoria co-Representative and Digital Lead), Helen Westman (NSW Representative and Immunotherapy/Targeted Therapy Lead)
