The Pulse

Meet our team: Belinda Kendall, Helpline Manager

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m the Helpline Nurse Manager at HANCA, where I lead a dedicated team providing navigational support to people affected by Head and  Neck Cancer (HNC). Through our national HNC Helpline, I offer  tailored guidance to patients, carers and health professionals, helping  them navigate complex care pathways. I have over 20 years’  experience in oncology nursing across both medical and radiation oncology.

What are you most excited to see the ACNNP achieve and why?

As a nurse working within the ACNNP, what inspires me most is the powerful collaboration between passionate organisations, all united by a shared mission: to provide comprehensive care and support to anyone affected by cancer. Being part of this collective effort is deeply humbling and a constant source of motivation. One of the most  impactful outcomes of the HNC Helpline so far has been the  increased access to counselling services, tailored specifically to the  HNC experience.

Learn more about the team at HANCA

New: Head and Neck Cancer Community of Practice

HANCA’s Clinical Community of Practice (CoP) is a forum for clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals dedicated to improving care for people affected by Head and Neck Cancer. The CoP provides a space to share evidence-based knowledge, collaborate with peers, and stay informed about the latest resources and developments.

Health professionals interested in joining are invited to register their interest by contacting [email protected]

Head and Neck Cancer Peer Support Groups

Our new online support groups for patients, families, friends and carers our groups are held every 8 weeks and are facilitated by our Helpline team. Find out more. 

SPOTLIGHT

Name: Jordan Ralh
Role: McGrath Cancer Care Nurse
Hospital: Campbeltown Hospital, NSW

Give us a bit of background of yourself including clinical experience. 

I’ve had the privilege of working with oncology patients across both inpatient and outpatient settings, including at Liverpool, St George, Nepean and Campbelltown Hospitals. I really value being able to support people during such a challenging time in their lives, and I try to bring both humour and compassion into my care to build genuine connections. I’m also fortunate to be working within a great team at the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, which makes providing coordinated and holistic care highly fulfilling. With the McGrath Foundation now providing care for all cancers, I’m excited to have the opportunity to support people in my community throughout their treatment and recovery, helping make their experience as positive and supported as possible. 

Can you describe your role as a McGrath Cancer Nurse in supporting patients with head and neck cancer throughout their treatment journey? 

As a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, I support patients with head and neck cancer from their first appointment right through treatment. I meet them at their initial consult to help them feel supported and to make sure everything’s ready for treatment to start on time. That includes organising dental clearance, arranging a gastrostomy tube if needed, and educating them about simulation and immobilisation masks. I also coordinate referrals to allied health professionals like dietitians and speech pathologists. I play an active role in advocating for patients within the multidisciplinary team to ensure their needs and concerns are heard. Most importantly, I’m a consistent point of contact for patients and their families, helping them feel supported and live as well as possible during and after treatment. 

What has been your experience in referring patients, carers, or families to the Head and Neck Cancer Australia Helpline, and how do you feel it has benefited them? 

Having access to the Head and Neck Cancer Australia Helpline has been really valuable for my patients, their carers, and families. It gives them another point of contact for specialised advice and support about head and neck cancer–related issues, which helps reinforce the information they receive during their appointments. The virtual support group has also been a great resource, allowing patients to connect with others going through similar experiences and to feel less isolated. I’ve also found the live chat feature especially helpful for people who have speaking difficulties due to their diagnosis or treatment, as it allows them to easily access this resource and the support it provides. 

In your view, how does collaboration between McGrath Cancer Care Nurses and HANCA enhance the overall care and support available to people affected by head and neck cancer? 

The collaboration between McGrath Cancer Care Nurses and Head and Neck Cancer Australia really strengthens the support available to patients. The more support a patient has, the better their treatment outcomes and overall ability to live well with cancer. Working together means patients have access to both personalised, ongoing care through the McGrath Foundation and the peer support offered by HANCA. It creates a really well-rounded network of care that helps patients feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout their treatment and recovery. 

What inspired you to become a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, and what do you love most about your work? 

I was actually inspired to be a nurse by a book called Gifted Hands, which made me want to work in a role where I could really help people. What I love most about being a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse is building relationships with patients and their families and seeing the incredible resilience they show during such a challenging time. It’s a real privilege to walk alongside them and offer support when they need it most. I also feel very fortunate to be able to make a difference in my own community through the McGrath Foundation’s expanded purpose of supporting people with all types of cancer. 

When you’re not at work, how do you like to unwind or spend your free time? 

Outside of work, I like to keep things balanced and have a bit of fun in my downtime. I enjoy watching movies, going to the gym, and swimming. I also really enjoy getting together with friends for board games or a round of Just Dance, which is always a great way to unwind and have a laugh. 

If you could share one fun fact about yourself that might surprise your colleagues, what would it be? 

A fact that might surprise my colleagues is that I play the piano. It is my go-to way to unwind outside of work. I love mixing it up, from relaxing classical pieces to lively movie themes or pop songs, and it always helps me switch off and enjoy myself. 

About the McGrath Foundation

The McGrath Foundation has expanded its services beyond breast cancer to support Australians facing any form of cancer. Their McGrath Cancer Care Nurses are specially trained registered nurses who provide clinical, psychosocial and emotional support throughout their journey - no referral needed.

Refer a patient to the Helpline