News

Home comforts extended for northern suburbs breast cancer patients

Dec 17, 2025

Patients recovering from breast cancer procedures in 2026 at Joondalup Health Campus will continue to receive care packages to take home post-surgery thanks to the generosity and talents of the local community.

The Joondalup Women’s Shed partnered with the hospital’s dedicated McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Sam Williams earlier this year to create recovery cushions, bags for surgical drains and beanies.

This week, a financial donation was presented to Williams to fund the hand-made packages for another year.

“This means the patients are going to be catered for the whole of 2026 and into 2027.

“It’s so valuable for the women and men who we serve in the community. It means we can carry on the aftercare that these patients need.”

Joondalup Women’s Shed spokesperson Jan Shean says members were enthusiastic to help the patients.

“So far we’ve made 126 bags, 50 cushions and 39 beanies.”

Williams says the post-surgery packages are unique to patients in Perth’s north.

“Not every provider offers these. We can give the patients in Joondalup and surrounding areas something different that makes them feel more special and well cared for.”

Breast cancer patients at Joondalup Health Campus are treated by a multi-disciplinary team including Williams and specialist oncoplastic surgeons.

Joondalup Health Campus CEO Renaud Mazy says this holistic model allows for better continuity of care and means patients see the same clinical team for the duration of their treatment.

“With the population growing so rapidly in Perth’s north, it’s important people feel they can receive the care they need while remaining close to home.”

McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Sam Williams (left) with Melanie Forster and Jan Shean from Joondalup Women’s Shed