Charlotte Varcoe
THOSE who attend Mount Gambier Community Health Connect for breast care find themselves in the company of Dana Mulraney.
Ms Mulraney first began her journey as a nurse 21 years ago, following in the footsteps of her family.
Now, Ms Mulraney is the face of breast care in the region with the specialisation being an interest of hers since she was younger.
Six years ago, she changed career direction and went from a management position to clinical nursing.
“Caring for people and making a difference in people’s lives, however big or small, is something that has always been important to me,” Ms Mulraney said.
“I was successful in my application for the breast care nurse position at the Limestone Coast Local Health Network and I then completed a graduate certificate in breast cancer nursing.”
Ms Mulraney works full time in a position funded by SA Health and the McGrath Foundation.
“Making a difference, whether it be big or small, or helping navigate a breast cancer treatment plan can be very rewarding,” Ms Mulraney said.
“Navigating and feeling the highs with my patients is always the best, but also navigating the lows and providing support where needed is also empowering.”
Working closely with the Cancer Care Team, Ms Mulraney said she would continue to work hard to provide the best outcomes for all patients.
During her time in the role, Ms Mulraney said she had experienced a range of positive outcomes in the health system.
“Lymphedema support services have expanded and the compression garment subsidy scheme roll-out was introduced to better support people who develop lymphedema from their cancer treatments,” she said.
“I coordinate breast care clinics with visiting breast specialists from the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and I consult in Mount Gambier once a month.
“I work closely with visiting specialist William McLeay who operates and consults in Millicent and Naracoorte and with BreastScreen South Australia.”
Ms Mulraney said she also experienced the “phenomenal” ongoing support and “caring nature” of the community alongside the fundraising initiatives.
Other highlights for Ms Mulraney included working and providing the service to the Limestone Coast, meeting “wonderful women, men and their families” whilst helping them navigate through treatment and working alongside local support groups.
“Being part of the cancer care team locally to provide cancer services and working alongside a great team to provide services here in the Limestone Coast Local Health Network has also been a highlight,” she said.
Despite all the highlights and positive changes, Ms Mulraney said there could be challenges, such as travel for regional patients for certain services, growing lymphoedema services locally and limitations which came about during the coordinated response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Moving forward, she said she wanted to continue growing the services locally and enhance outcomes for patients and the community while providing access to a breast cancer nurse which would provide support throughout the course of treatment for all involved.
“I also want to bring better awareness in the community and promote self-awareness and encourage self-checking,” Ms Mulraney said.
“I want to empower our community to take self-responsibility and access free screening measures as earlier detection leads to better health outcomes.”
