Nurses are often associated with hospitals, but in the heart of our communities, it's the primary care nurses who are the unsung heroes of healthcare. Across Australia there are approximately 98,000+ primary care nurses who play a critical role in disease prevention and support individuals and families through everyday health challenges.&nbsp;

From wound management and vaccinations to performing diagnostic screenings, blood tests, and providing triage, primary care nurses are fundamental to the wellbeing of our local communities. They are the first line of defence, ensuring patients receive the care they need in a timely and accessible way.&nbsp;

This Primary Care Nurses Day (February 5th), Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) is proud to celebrate the invaluable work of primary care nurses across the region. The importance of primary care is often overlooked, but these nurses&nbsp;truly make a difference by building lasting relationships with patients and empowering them to live healthier lives.&nbsp;

One of the key programs supporting nurses in the region is SNHN’s Nurse Transition Program, which offers nurses new to primary care a 12-month training position within a general practice setting. The program has seen over 80 nurses successfully transition into primary care, benefiting from mentorship and tailored training. Kerry McBride, Coordinator of the Nurse Transition Program, knows firsthand the value of Primary Care nursing. She started as a new graduate on the program herself.&nbsp;

“For primary care nurses, every day is about building relationships with patients and supporting them on their health journeys. I love teaching and supporting nurses to achieve their best and watching them blossom with guidance and support. I'm proud to be part of a program that nurtures and supports nurses and enables the best outcomes for patients. It’s humbling to work with such a dynamic and passionate team at SNHN as well as all the nurses across the Northern Sydney Region. Primary Care nurses are at the forefront of healthcare but are often underutilised. As the Nurse Co-ordinator I have the privilege to guide and mentor and to help nurses find their voices.”&nbsp;

SNHN also provide a range of support to nurses in the northern Sydney region including, educational resources. Nurse Network meetings are hosted monthly and keep local nurses up to date with the latest practices, ensuring they can deliver the best possible care to our local community.&nbsp;

Registered Nurse Rebecca Cromer works on SNHN’s GPs in Schools Program, a unique Health Literacy program for high school students delivered by GPs and Primary Care nurses in the classroom. She reflects on the rewarding nature of a career in nursing:&nbsp;

“I have always been compelled to help people, and I always knew that I wanted to be a nurse. Nursing can be very fulfilling and there are so many different paths you can take. Now, there is a movement toward partnership in the nurse/patient relationship and nurses are valued as professionals in their own right. We are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team.’ &nbsp;

The work of primary care nurses is vital to the future of healthcare. Their dedication to the health and wellbeing of their communities is something worth celebrating every day, not just on Primary Care Nurses Day.&nbsp;

If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;a&nbsp;Primary Health Care professional who lives or works in the northern Sydney region, become a Sydney Norther Health Network Member&nbsp;to get access to member only education events and much more. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/about-us/membership/" target="_blank">https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/about-us/membership/</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;1 APNA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apna.asn.au/profession/what-is-primary-health-care-nursing#:~:text=Australia's%2098%2C000%2B%20primary%20health%20care,promotion%20to%20keep%20Australians%20well.&amp;text=What%20is%20primary%20health%20care%20nursing%3F,-apnanurses" target="_blank">https://www.apna.asn.au/profession/what-is-primary-health-care-nursing#:~:text=Australia's%2098%2C000%2B%20primary%20health%20care,promotion%20to%20keep%20Australians%20well.&amp;text=What%20is%20primary%20health%20care%20nursing%3F,-apnanurses</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nurses are often associated with hospitals, but in the heart of our communities, it's the primary care nurses who are the unsung heroes of healthcare. Across Australia there are approximately 98,000+ primary care nurses who play a critical role in disease prevention and support individuals and families through everyday health challenges.&nbsp;From wound management and vaccinations to performing diagnostic screenings, blood tests, and providing triage, primary care nurses are fundamental to the wellbeing of our local communities. They are the first line of defence, ensuring patients receive the care they need in a timely and accessible way.&nbsp;This Primary Care Nurses Day (February 5th), Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) is proud to celebrate the invaluable work of primary care nurses across the region. The importance of primary care is often overlooked, but these nurses&nbsp;truly make a difference by building lasting relationships with patients and empowering them to live healthier lives.&nbsp;One of the key programs supporting nurses in the region is SNHN’s Nurse Transition Program, which offers nurses new to primary care a 12-month training position within a general practice setting. The program has seen over 80 nurses successfully transition into primary care, benefiting from mentorship and tailored training. Kerry McBride, Coordinator of the Nurse Transition Program, knows firsthand the value of Primary Care nursing. She started as a new graduate on the program herself.&nbsp;“For primary care nurses, every day is about building relationships with patients and supporting them on their health journeys. I love teaching and supporting nurses to achieve their best and watching them blossom with guidance and support. I'm proud to be part of a program that nurtures and supports nurses and enables the best outcomes for patients. It’s humbling to work with such a dynamic and passionate team at SNHN as well as all the nurses across the Northern Sydney Region. Primary Care nurses are at the forefront of healthcare but are often underutilised. As the Nurse Co-ordinator I have the privilege to guide and mentor and to help nurses find their voices.”&nbsp;SNHN also provide a range of support to nurses in the northern Sydney region including, educational resources. Nurse Network meetings are hosted monthly and keep local nurses up to date with the latest practices, ensuring they can deliver the best possible care to our local community.&nbsp;Registered Nurse Rebecca Cromer works on SNHN’s GPs in Schools Program, a unique Health Literacy program for high school students delivered by GPs and Primary Care nurses in the classroom. She reflects on the rewarding nature of a career in nursing:&nbsp;“I have always been compelled to help people, and I always knew that I wanted to be a nurse. Nursing can be very fulfilling and there are so many different paths you can take. Now, there is a movement toward partnership in the nurse/patient relationship and nurses are valued as professionals in their own right. We are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team.’ &nbsp;The work of primary care nurses is vital to the future of healthcare. Their dedication to the health and wellbeing of their communities is something worth celebrating every day, not just on Primary Care Nurses Day.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;a&nbsp;Primary Health Care professional who lives or works in the northern Sydney region, become a Sydney Norther Health Network Member&nbsp;to get access to member only education events and much more. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/about-us/membership/" target="_blank">https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/about-us/membership/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;1 APNA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apna.asn.au/profession/what-is-primary-health-care-nursing#:~:text=Australia's%2098%2C000%2B%20primary%20health%20care,promotion%20to%20keep%20Australians%20well.&amp;text=What%20is%20primary%20health%20care%20nursing%3F,-apnanurses" target="_blank">https://www.apna.asn.au/profession/what-is-primary-health-care-nursing#:~:text=Australia's%2098%2C000%2B%20primary%20health%20care,promotion%20to%20keep%20Australians%20well.&amp;text=What%20is%20primary%20health%20care%20nursing%3F,-apnanurses</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Celebrating Northern Sydney Nurses: Sydney North Health Network Highlights the Vital Role of Primary Care

A world-first study has revealed that two hours of supervised exercise per week significantly benefits people with metastatic breast cancer, improving quality of life while reducing healthcare costs.

The&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT&nbsp;trial, involving 357 participants worldwide, including 135 Australians, is the most extensive exercise study conducted for this population. Participants completed a nine-month program of supervised aerobic, resistance, and balance exercises twice a week, compared to those following general activity advice. Participants in the supervised exercise program experienced significant improvements in quality of life, with reductions in debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and emotional distress, enabling them to lead fuller, more active lives.

Metastatic breast cancer is an advanced stage of the disease where cancer has spread beyond the breast. While treatable, it remains incurable and presents unique challenges for both treatment and quality of life. As the number of individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer increases, so too do the associated costs, exceeding $1 billion annually in Australia. Investing in supportive care strategies, such as supervised exercise programs, is crucial for managing the cancer burden and mitigating disease- and treatment-related side effects. These findings published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology highlight the potential of such programs to alleviate both economic and healthcare challenges related to metastatic breast cancer&nbsp;lead Australian researcher, Melbourne exercise Physiologist Dr. Eva Zopf, emphasised the study’s significance:

"These unique findings from our multinational PREFERABLE-EFFECT study are particularly important for healthcare providers, policymakers, and insurers. They demonstrate that supervised exercise for patients with metastatic breast cancer is not only beneficial in improving quality of life and reducing treatment-related side effects but also reduces healthcare costs."

The study revealed cost-effectiveness benefits of the nine-month supervised exercise program compared to general activity advice. Cost savings were achieved through reductions in home care, day treatments, hospital admissions, and productivity losses.&nbsp; Notably, 44% of participants in the study were in paid employment, and the exercise group demonstrated lower productivity losses due to reduced absenteeism and presenteeism compared to the control group. Group-based programs delivered the greatest savings, approximately AUD 1,998 per patient, compared to AUD 261 for individual supervision.

"By demonstrating both clinical and economic benefits, we provide a compelling case for integrating these programs into standard care practices,"&nbsp;said Dr. Zopf.

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) welcomed the findings, emphasising the need to prioritise people living with metastatic breast cancer by addressing their unmet needs.

"For people living with metastatic breast cancer, symptom management is a critical priority,"&nbsp;said Vicki Durston, BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy &amp; Support Services.&nbsp;"Managing symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and emotional distress is essential for improving quality of life. This study highlights that supportive care, like supervised exercise, needs to go beyond being recommended guidelines—it must become an integral part of clinical practice and care to address the unmet needs of people with an incurable disease."

The study underscores the urgent need for national data collection and tailored care. Recent data from New South Wales revealed a higher number of people living with metastatic breast cancer than previously estimated, yet they remain underserved in research and healthcare planning.

By demonstrating both clinical and economic benefits, including reductions in productivity losses, the&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT&nbsp;trial provides a robust foundation for integrating supervised exercise programs into standard care practices. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to manage the growing cancer care costs, improving outcomes for patients and reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems.

If you require quotes, content, or an interview please contact:

Kellie Curtain M: 0412339690 <a href="mailto:kcurtain@bcna.org.au" target="_blank">kcurtain@bcna.org.au</a>

*Findings of unique world trial reveals economic benefits of supervised exercise program for people with incurable breast cancer.

*Incurable breast cancer costs Australian health system more than 1 billion dollars a year

*&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology

A world-first study has revealed that two hours of supervised exercise per week significantly benefits people with metastatic breast cancer, improving quality of life while reducing healthcare costs.The&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT&nbsp;trial, involving 357 participants worldwide, including 135 Australians, is the most extensive exercise study conducted for this population. Participants completed a nine-month program of supervised aerobic, resistance, and balance exercises twice a week, compared to those following general activity advice. Participants in the supervised exercise program experienced significant improvements in quality of life, with reductions in debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and emotional distress, enabling them to lead fuller, more active lives.Metastatic breast cancer is an advanced stage of the disease where cancer has spread beyond the breast. While treatable, it remains incurable and presents unique challenges for both treatment and quality of life. As the number of individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer increases, so too do the associated costs, exceeding $1 billion annually in Australia. Investing in supportive care strategies, such as supervised exercise programs, is crucial for managing the cancer burden and mitigating disease- and treatment-related side effects. These findings published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology highlight the potential of such programs to alleviate both economic and healthcare challenges related to metastatic breast cancer&nbsp;lead Australian researcher, Melbourne exercise Physiologist Dr. Eva Zopf, emphasised the study’s significance:"These unique findings from our multinational PREFERABLE-EFFECT study are particularly important for healthcare providers, policymakers, and insurers. They demonstrate that supervised exercise for patients with metastatic breast cancer is not only beneficial in improving quality of life and reducing treatment-related side effects but also reduces healthcare costs."Economic Benefits of Supervised ExerciseThe study revealed cost-effectiveness benefits of the nine-month supervised exercise program compared to general activity advice. Cost savings were achieved through reductions in home care, day treatments, hospital admissions, and productivity losses.&nbsp; Notably, 44% of participants in the study were in paid employment, and the exercise group demonstrated lower productivity losses due to reduced absenteeism and presenteeism compared to the control group. Group-based programs delivered the greatest savings, approximately AUD 1,998 per patient, compared to AUD 261 for individual supervision."By demonstrating both clinical and economic benefits, we provide a compelling case for integrating these programs into standard care practices,"&nbsp;said Dr. Zopf.Advocacy for Evidence-Based CareBreast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) welcomed the findings, emphasising the need to prioritise people living with metastatic breast cancer by addressing their unmet needs."For people living with metastatic breast cancer, symptom management is a critical priority,"&nbsp;said Vicki Durston, BCNA’s Director of Policy, Advocacy &amp; Support Services.&nbsp;"Managing symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and emotional distress is essential for improving quality of life. This study highlights that supportive care, like supervised exercise, needs to go beyond being recommended guidelines—it must become an integral part of clinical practice and care to address the unmet needs of people with an incurable disease."A Call to ActionThe study underscores the urgent need for national data collection and tailored care. Recent data from New South Wales revealed a higher number of people living with metastatic breast cancer than previously estimated, yet they remain underserved in research and healthcare planning.By demonstrating both clinical and economic benefits, including reductions in productivity losses, the&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT&nbsp;trial provides a robust foundation for integrating supervised exercise programs into standard care practices. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to manage the growing cancer care costs, improving outcomes for patients and reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems.If you require quotes, content, or an interview please contact:Kellie Curtain M: 0412339690 <a href="mailto:kcurtain@bcna.org.au" target="_blank">kcurtain@bcna.org.au</a>Key Facts:*Findings of unique world trial reveals economic benefits of supervised exercise program for people with incurable breast cancer.*Incurable breast cancer costs Australian health system more than 1 billion dollars a year*&nbsp;PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology