As the McGrath Foundation offers its grateful thanks and congratulations to the nation in the wake of the “Pink Test”, its major fundraising annual event the SCG, for funds to provide specialist cancer care nurses in the nation’s hospitals, it has also made Penrith and Australian hospital history with the appointment of the first male Clinical Nurse Consultant: Cancer Services.
Registered Nurse David Brock has taken on the challenging role to join the team at Nepean Hospital, after more than 14 years working in oncology and haematology wards at Port Kembla and St George hospitals and for the past three years at Nepean.
He also holds a Masters degree in Cancer and Haematology Nursing.
Nursing has been a change of life career for David Brock
“I previously completed an apprenticeship at the School of Graphic Arts in Ultimo during the late 80s and worked in the graphic arts/pre-press industry for about 25 years,” he said.
“But I knew after graduation that as soon as I started nursing I really wanted to work in a cancer care setting.
“Over the years I’ve looked after lots of people with breast cancer and I always thought the Breast Care Nurse position would be a great job.
“I contacted The McGrath Foundation when this role was advertised as I wasn’t sure if a male would be considered.
“I’m glad I did. I was surprised to hear there had never been a male in the role.
“I feel very privileged to be involved with the amazing people I meet every day as they work through what is often a very profound period in their lives.”
And while having a man in the role may have come as a surprise to some patients, he says he has never encountered any resistance to his treatment, nor complaints about the care and consideration he brings to the job.
And there are many men who suffer the debilitating condition and the sometimes painful and exhausting surgery, chemotherapy and radiology treatment needed to cure or control breast cancer.
“As a nurse I have been responsible for the treatment of many women over the years,” he said.
“I’ve looked after lots of people as a nurse working in cancer care – people with lots of different cancers, at different stages of their lives, all with different stories to tell, and half of them female.
“I’ve adopted the same approach with anyone I’ve cared for – be respectful of the person and considerate of the situation – and I’ve never found it an issue.
“The most important thing I do for my patients is provide a constant, reliable and trusted source of guidance and support throughout their treatment experience.
“I feel I make a difference by being genuinely interested in the wellbeing of the people I care for.”
One (male) patient at Nepean Hospital Cancer Care centre has spoken in high praise of Dave Brock’s appointment.
“While all the other McGrath Foundation nurses at Nepean Hospital’s Cancer Care Centre are obliging, caring and considerate, in looking after my condition, it is sometimes helpful to have a ‘man to man’ chat with a bloke about some of the particular issues that arise for a man with breast cancer,” he said.
“These include dealing with normally female menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes, sudden weariness, and other aches and pains.”
The McGrath Foundation has announced that the role of its funded nurses at all hospitals has been expanded to include the nursing of sufferers of all types of cancer.
From diagnosis and throughout treatment, McGrath Nurses are available to help at no cost and without a referral.
The male patient says the breast cancer diagnosis has changed his life, in many and unexpected ways.
“It also has had a huge effect on my wife and family and friends,” he said.
“The diagnosis, the treatment and the disease takes over your life, and the life of those around you.
“It is reassuring at times to know that Dave Brock and the other McGrath nurses at Nepean Hospital are just a phone call away if you need them.”
The McGrath “team” the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District is: Sarah Maguire, Bianca Dobbins-Jones, Rebecca McLeod, and Melanie Brothers while Melinda Aslin is based at Blacktown Hospital.
All can be contacted at https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse.
The foundation commemorates the life of Jane McGrath, the wife of Australian Test cricket stalwart Glenn McGrath, who died in 2008, after a decade-long battle against cancer. It raises funds though a number of “Pink” promotions.
