Lung Foundation Australia is delighted to share that the South Australian Labor Party has committed to investing $2.5 million over 4 years for specialist lung cancer nurses and a respiratory care nurse in South Australia.
Specialist lung cancer nurses play a critical role in coordinating and optimising care for people with lung cancer, and this commitment will help provide South Australians with clinical, social, and emotional support as they navigate the healthcare system.
Lung cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in South Australia and the leading cause of cancer death, claiming more than 680 South Australian lives every year.
This costs the state health system $22.6 million and is expected to rise as incidence rises.
A respiratory care nurse can assist in care for over 30 types of respiratory disease, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
In South Australia, COPD was the 5th leading cause of death in 2018, and second leading cause of avoidable hospital admissions, so this position can have a significant impact on reducing hospital ramping.
These nurses are fully funded from Labor’s previously announced policy for 300 additional nurses, and more specifically the $24 million allocated for 76 additional nurses in areas of need.
Lung Foundation Australia thanks Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas and Shadow Health Minister Chris Picton MP for their support of the many South Australians living with lung disease or lung cancer.
“We have heard the significant difficulties faced by sufferers of lung cancer and the need to improve the care that is provided for people with this awful disease,” Mr Picton said.
“If elected Labor will deliver specialist lung cancer and respiratory nurses to treat and care for South Australians living with lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses.
“Sadly, lung cancer is the most common cause of death in South Australia and every day there are people being diagnosed with this disease that we can better assist in their treatment.”
Lung Foundation CEO Mark Brooke said the considerable burden of death and disease highlights the need to make sure that people living with these conditions can access tailored information and support.
“We are delighted that Labor has made this commitment in both jobs and health, as this will enable Lung Foundation Australia’s permanent presence in the state as part of our ongoing commitment to recruit 100 lung cancer nurses by 2025,” Mr Brooke said.
“Unfortunately, the Liberal Party did not make a similar commitment to lung cancer and respiratory care nurses.”
