The Sutherland Shire has received two McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, Kristyn Schilling and Sarah Grdovic, who will care for patients across the region experiencing gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and gynecological cancers.
Both bring a wealth of oncology nursing experience and advanced qualifications, further strengthening cancer care in the local community. They will join two other McGrath Cancer Care Nurses based at Sutherland Hospital, who both support people with breast cancer.
This appointment follows the 2025 Pink Test announcement that the Foundation will expand its nursing care beyond breast cancer, to support people with any type of cancer.
With around 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and over 160,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Australia this year 1 there is a substantial need for supportive cancer care provided by McGrath Cancer Care Nurses to support people across Australia with any type of cancer.
Holly Masters, McGrath Foundation CEO, said the new nurses will provide free care and support for individuals and their families in the Sutherland Shire.
“McGrath Cancer Care Nurses are clinical experts who help people with cancer and their families navigate the medical system by providing free clinical, psychosocial, and emotional support throughout treatment, regardless of their cancer type. Our expansion into all cancers includes placing nurses who support individual cancer types or those like Kristyn and Sarah who support patients across multiple cancer streams.
“We are incredibly proud to begin providing this vital service to people experiencing cancer in the Sutherland Shire, as we are committed to our purpose of ensuring no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse,” Masters continued.
McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Kristyn Schilling, with almost 20 years' experience in nursing, explained her motivation behind joining the McGrath Foundation.
“I was inspired to become a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse because of the Foundation’s commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate supportive care to people diagnosed with cancer. My goal is to collaborate with my patients and enable them to confidently navigate their cancer experience, knowing they have access to my support, resources and expertise.”
McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Sarah Grdovic speaks to her passion for patient centered care and her ability to deliver in her role at Sutherland Hospital.
“What I enjoy most as a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse is being the main point of contact for patients, them knowing that they have someone they can reach out to with any concerns or questions."
“I love helping patients navigate the health system, answering any questions, and doing what I can to make their experience less overwhelming.”
- Sarah
The Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker, and surrounding areas will receive a McGrath Foundation first with the appointment of McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Carissa Stone, who will care for patients across the region experiencing any type of cancer.
As our first male McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, David Brock is paving the way for others this International Nurses Day by providing life-changing care for people going through cancer.
Every day, Michiko Ban provides life-changing care to people going through cancer, and their families. This International Nurses Day, Michiko reflects on her role, and the impact it makes to people during their diagnosis and treatment.
Marie Laing has been a cancer care nurse for 17 years and is based in Canberra. She is one of our first McGrath Cancer Care Nurses to specialise in lung cancer.