2,527,013 square kilometres. That’s the size of Western Australia and it’s so vast, it could swallow the United Kingdom ten times over. This immense expanse creates unique challenges, especially when it comes to supporting patients in rural and remote locations.

Access to critical support services for those living far from metropolitan areas can be difficult and something that Lizz Clarke, our Support Network Coordinator, is knows all too well.

“WA’s vastness can make it challenging to provide comprehensive support to the mesothelioma community,” she explains. “That’s why our regional visits are so vital.”

In early July, Lizz visited the Great Southern to connect with medical specialists and a recently diagnosed mesothelioma patient.

Connecting with patients, strengthening medical partnerships, and making positive strides in supporting those affected by this rare, asbestos-induced cancer – this was the focus of her short but impactful visit. And since her return, Reflections has received referrals from leading Oncology and Respiratory Physicians to support their mesothelioma patients. Here’s a quick recap of the trip…

Mesothelioma support in the Great Southern

The WA Country Health Service serves people across WA’s rural areas, making it the largest country health system in Australia.

Lizz’s journey took her to their hub in Albany where she had her first meeting with Great Southern Cancer Services at Albany Hospital.

This meeting brought together key health providers who are crucial in caring for mesothelioma patients, including medical oncologists, clinical nurses, and cancer nurse coordinators.

“Meeting face-to-face and looking at ways we can raise awareness of this rare cancer together was really valuable,” says Lizz.

Lizz provided an overview of how the support services Reflections offers mesothelioma patients and discussed the unique challenges of managing mesothelioma care in regional areas. She also introduced The Hope Companion – a mesothelioma-specific resource supported by Cancer Australia.

The Hope Companion was well-received, especially as these healthcare providers are currently supporting five mesothelioma patients. They were enthusiastic about having this disease-specific resource and requested more collateral to promote the resource in their waiting rooms.

Insights and outcomes from Lizz’s visit

• Meeting with a leading Respiratory Physician

Being very impressed by The Hope Companion, they soon referred a newly diagnosed patient to Reflections and requested this resource be provided to their patient.

• Meeting with an Emergency Department Manager

Regional emergency departments are frequently a primary/secondary point of contact for those presenting with respiratory symptoms or complicated pain for acute/acute on chronic management of symptoms. Lizz discussed the importance of early referral for support services where mesothelioma needs increased management and/or awaiting specialist intervention and services. A very valuable meeting.

• Meeting with a mesothelioma Patient

Lizz had the privilege of delivering The Hope Companion to the first recipient in the Great Southern and introduced them to the support available through Reflections.

Wrapping up

The vastness of WA presents undeniable challenges in managing and supporting the mesothelioma community. So regional visits like this are crucial. They help share valuable resources, raise awareness of the support available, and elevate the profile of this rare cancer.