Sydney Adventist Hospital welcomes new Specialist Bowel Care Nurse

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Ratcliff as specialist Bowel Care Nurse at Sydney Adventist Hospital (the San), a role proudly 100% community-funded by Bowel Cancer Australia.

Jessica brings a wealth of experience in gastrointestinal and colorectal nursing, having worked at the San since 2007 in a variety of roles, from enrolled nurse to registered nurse on the GI ward, as well as in gastroenterology practice settings.

“I’m passionate about supporting patients from the moment they are diagnosed,” Jessica said.

“It’s important that they know we are around from the beginning, and that they have someone to guide them and point them in the right direction for resources, support, and care coordination.”

Jessica meets patients in the hospital during treatment and on the ward after surgery, provides pre-operative and pre-chemotherapy education, and follows up with phone calls to provide ongoing support and referrals to services including at the San’s Cancer Support Centre in Jacaranda Lodge.

The role also compliments Jessica’s work in the San’s inpatient and outpatient clinic for stomal therapy.

“Educating patients on how to manage their stomas so they can return to the most normal life possible helps alleviate stress and overwhelm,” she said.

“Everyone has different support needs along their treatment journey. To have someone to translate medical jargon, give practical advice, and identify their needs early can be really helpful.”

Jessica hopes to raise awareness of bowel cancer, particularly in younger people, where symptoms can be mistakenly attributed to other causes.

“The main thing with bowel cancer is that with early intervention, it can be curable. If you have concerns, don’t be embarrassed – talk to your doctor. Early intervention really does save lives.”

The San’s specialist Bowel Care Nurse service operates on Tuesdays and Fridays, providing personalised support, nursing advice, advocacy and information tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

“Having a dedicated specialist nurse is such an important part of a patient’s journey,” said Claire Annear, Strategic Stakeholder and Community Engagement Manager at Bowel Cancer Australia.

“Jessica’s role ensures that patients are supported, informed, and empowered to make decisions about their care from the very beginning, and we are so proud to be able to help make that happen.”

Jessica works closely with patients referred by oncologists or through the San’s weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, which this year celebrated its 20-year anniversary.

“Jessica brings a deep understanding of colorectal care and an exceptional level of compassion to her role,” said James House, Senior Director of Cancer Services, Pharmacy and Day Surgery.

“Having been part of the San for many years across a variety of roles, she is a natural fit for this position. Her work complements the expertise of our world class surgeons and reflects the San’s commitment to supporting the whole patient journey.”

“Jessica, along with all of our specialist nurses, make a real difference for patients and their families, helping them navigate treatment with confidence and clarity.”

Jessica joins the San’s expanding navigation team, which includes specialist nurses across multiple cancer streams, many of whom are generously funded by the San Foundation.

“It’s a real honour to be there for patients during these hard times,” Jessica said.

“Being able to explain their treatment and pathway in understandable terms, and help alleviate stress during such a vulnerable time, is the most rewarding part of my job.”

Bowel cancer is the fourth most diagnosed and second deadliest cancer in Australia, yet people diagnosed with bowel cancer don’t receive the same level of support as those with other common cancers.

Bowel Cancer Australia’s specialist Bowel Care Nurse program is helping to address this gap, by funding in-person Bowel Care Nurses in hospitals and Cancer Centres across Australia.

The 100% community funded program enables people with bowel cancer to receive dedicated in-person clinical, psychosocial and emotional support from a specialist Bowel Care Nurse in the place where they are receiving treatment. Improving equity of access to personalised care and tailored support and allowing more people to access coordinated care closer to home.

Bowel Cancer Australia continues to raise funds to expand our specialist Bowel Care Nurses program so more patients can receive support from an in-person Bowel Care Nurse.

Every bowel cancer patient deserves to have access to a dedicated Bowel Care Nurse.