Breast Clinic opens at Hawkesbury District Hospital
Access to breast cancer care has significantly improved for patients in the Hawkesbury region, with the opening of a new McGrath Breast Clinic at Hawkesbury District Health Service.
The newly established outpatient clinic, launched in partnership with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Cancer Care Services is set to provide local patients with vital, ongoing support much closer to home.
Operating fortnightly on Monday afternoons from 1-4pm, the clinic is staffed by experienced McGrath Breast Care Nurses and an allied health professional, offering a range of services including wound care, lymphoedema screening, psychological support, and referrals to other specialists as required.
McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Sarah Maguire, said she’s seen first-hand how distance can be a real barrier to care.
“For many women in the Hawkesbury, especially those living on the outskirts, travelling to Penrith for a 10-minute appointment can mean taking half or even a full day off work. That’s a huge ask when someone is already dealing with the challenges of cancer.”
The Hawkesbury clinic is the latest addition to a district-wide effort to bring breast cancer support services closer to local communities. Similar outreach clinics have already been established in Katoomba and Lithgow, and according to Sarah, the results speak for themselves.
“Since opening the Lithgow and Katoomba clinics, we’ve seen a marked increase in attendance. When care is local, people are more likely to come and that makes a real difference in catching issues early and improving outcomes.”
A key feature of the clinic is its focus on early intervention. By monitoring patients regularly for subtle, subclinical signs, clinicians can intervene early and reduce the likelihood of long-term complications.
“Because we see our patients face-to-face every few months, we really get to know them. That connection means we can pick up on things that might otherwise be missed, whether it's a new wound, a medication side effect, or even a mental health concern. And because we’re local, we can act quickly with the right referrals.”
The clinic is located at the Hawkesbury community health centre with easy parking and access.
Sarah said the launch of the Hawkesbury clinic is something the entire team is proud of.
“It’s really about accessibility. We’re proud to be making our care truly district-wide, so that no matter where you live, whether it’s Hawkesbury, Lithgow or Katoomba, you can access the support you need, close to home.”
Patients interested in accessing the clinic can speak with their McGrath Breast Care Nurse or contact the Hawkesbury District Health Service directly for more information.