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- 20 Years Of Pioneering Cancer Care
20 years of pioneering cancer care
Kerry Patford, McGrath Foundation Chief Nurse
At the heart of the McGrath Foundation’s extraordinary journey is Kerry Patford, one of the original McGrath Cancer Care Nurses who has since risen to become the Foundation’s Chief Nurse.
Driven by a passion for nursing excellence and an unrelenting focus on patient-centred care, Kerry has touched thousands of lives.
In 2009, Kerry made the trip to Sydney with the 44 other fresh recruits to meet Glenn McGrath for the first time.
“There was a sense of anticipation,” Kerry recalls. “We knew we were there for something optimistic, hopeful and how lucky we were, but we needed to prove ourselves. We all wanted to get it right and deliver the best possible care."
And get it right she did. Kerry has been instrumental in shaping the McGrath Model of Care – a gold standard framework for the delivery of best practice cancer care nursing. Her vision and leadership alongside the team at the McGrath Foundation have fundamentally transformed cancer care in Australia.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey and to the Australian community for embracing us... it’s an absolute privilege to provide the care we do.”
- Kerry
"To the McGrath Foundation, thank you for giving our nurses the wings to fly, and a safe place to land.”
More than 20 years ago, Alison Szwajcer met Jane McGrath. Alison was Jane’s breast care nurse, a humble but unforgettable presence who entered Jane’s life when her cancer returned and metastasised in 2006.
20 years ago, Tracy Bevan sat beside her best friend, Jane McGrath, sharing tears, laughter, and what felt like an impossible dream.
Over the last 20 years, McGrath Cancer Care Nurses have been a lifeline in regional and rural Australia, providing expert care, hope, and support to families during their toughest times.
