Guest Speaker Sonia Strachan
Posted
on Nov 24, 2015
Sonia Strachan
Sonia Strachan was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Numurkah meeting on Monday 23rd November.Sonia is a Prostate Support Nurse with G.V. Health.
A local girl now living in Shepparton.
120,000 men living with prostate cancer with 3,000 will die each year.
Most prevalent of all cancers in Region.
Encourage men at age 50 to start discussing testing with G.P. If a family history commence at age 40.
In 2012 Prostate Cancer Foundation funded 12 support nurse positions.
In 2014 Government funded a further 14 positions, a total of 26 funded positions.
Sonia is funded by the local community with Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch event starting with 50 growing to 650 this year raising $130,000 in one day.
Developed partnership with G.V. Health, who has been unsuccessful in obtaining a government funded position.
Role involves spending time with patients and families arranging care co-ordination.
Works in clinics with local urologist and visiting consultants.
Do not have to be a patient of G.V. Health.
Patients all have unique needs, some may need only one treatment, other may need ongoing treatment.
Creating awareness in community by speaking to community groups.
Since commencing in the role in September 2014 have had 148 new cases, 13,000 contacts with 16 deaths.
Future plans include a business case for an exercise program, "Look good - feel good" program, Movember campaign, continue reliable and consistent support.
Sonia finished by saying she feels privileged and honored to be the initial support nurse in this Region.