Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s newest prostate cancer specialist nurse, Katherine Hay. Photo: Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
Katherine Hay’s desire to buy a home with her husband led her to move back to Wagga Wagga.
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s new prostate cancer specialist nurse moved from Canberra to Wagga to study for a Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt University.
The experienced oncology nurse spent the early part of her career in Canberra, Sydney and Perth until she wanted to buy a house.
“We love Wagga’s sense of community,” Katherine said.
“You don’t get that in Canberra or Sydney, and it’s just not the same. It’s a great place to live and make friends.
“My husband has been able to start his own business, and we now have two children and a lovely home.”
In 2016, Katherine became a part of MLHD, starting her journey in the renal unit and later transitioning to the role of a clinical nurse educator in the Home program.
Recently, she rekindled her passion for oncology nursing when presented with the chance to collaborate with the cancer care coordination team.
Katherine jumped at the opportunity when the position of prostate cancer specialist became available.
“I think once you’re an oncology nurse, you just keep coming back to it – I did my grad year in oncology, and it always draws me back,” she said.
“I am looking forward to the chance to focus on one type of cancer and see how I can improve the lives of men and their families while they are navigating their way through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.”
The oncology nurse offers information, emotional support, and empowerment to men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their support networks.
She also guides her patients in taking charge of their health and healthcare choices throughout their cancer journey.
MLHD provides the service free to the district’s prostate cancer patients.
Patients can self-refer or be referred by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), their GP or a urologist. For advice, contact the Community Care Intake Service on 1800 654 324.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. Men over 40 or 50 with a family history of prostate cancer should talk to their GP about checking for the disease using a blood test as part of their regular health examination.
For more information, visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
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