Children’s Cancer Foundation funds new Patient Navigator role to guide young cancer patients and families through complex care at Monash Children’s Hospital

The Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) is funding a new Patient Navigator role at the Monash Children’s Cancer and Haematology Centre (MCCHC) for the next three years, giving children, young people and their families a single, consistent point of contact as they move through what is often a long and complicated care journey. The role has been in place since July 2026, and in just a few months has already become an integral part of the care team.

“We funded this role because no parent should have to become an expert in hospital logistics on top of everything else, while their child is fighting cancer. We’ve committed to at least three years to start, so families know this kind of support isn’t going anywhere, and so it has real time to become part of how care is delivered.” – CCF CEO, Margaret Fitzherbert.

MCCHC is a specialised oncology service caring for more than 100 children and young people diagnosed with cancer each year. Treatment can span years and touch almost every part of the health system, from outpatient appointments and day chemotherapy to hospital stays, home care, and support from specialists elsewhere when needed.

The Patient Navigator is the first point of contact for patients, carers and referrers, and plays a central role in keeping care on track and families informed. In practice, that means families have one person to call when they need help booking or changing an appointment or just want to understand what’s coming next. The Navigator keeps communication flowing between families and their care team, makes sure appointments are scheduled in the right order at the right time, and helps urgent cases get seen quickly. They also support the weekly team meetings where treatment plans are made, so nothing falls through the cracks.

“It’s exciting to be coming into the newly created Patient Navigator role within such a busy and dedicated department. My first two months at Monash Children’s Hospital have been spent getting to know the team, particularly working closely with Clinical Nurse Consultants to better understand the patient journey from diagnosis through to treatment. I’m looking forward to helping shape the role and supporting our young patients and their families with care, reassurance and guidance through such a challenging time.“

As cancer treatment becomes more advanced, it also means more specialists, more appointments, and more moving parts for families to keep track of. The Patient Navigator brings all of that together around the people who matter most – the child and their family – so they’re supported rather than left to join the dots themselves.

“In just a short time, Kira has integrated perfectly into the nursing and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring patients get the best care, in the right place, at the right time. As she continues to develop the role, she will become a critical part of the team, providing a central focus for patients and families to seek support, answers and assistance when required throughout their cancer journey.” – Dr Michelle Martin, Head of Unit, Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, MCCHC.