Jane’s disability enables a new way forward

Metro North Clinical Nurse Consultant, Jane Lushington has been a nurse for 23 years, the majority in oncology in Australia and the United Kingdom.

For the past five years, Jane has worked as a McGrath Foundation nurse, supporting metastatic breast cancer patients at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital, providing holistic, patient centred care.

“My role provides the patients and their families education, emotional support and help managing disease and treatment related side effects,” Jane said.
“Getting a metastatic diagnosis can be the most devastating time in a person’s life and their families lives, I like to be there to provided support to make a terrible time a little easier.”

However, almost two years ago, Jane was unaware she was about to face a significant personal challenge of her own, that she would have to navigate herself and her family through.

“I lost my hearing in my left ear nearly two years ago, so my disability is very new,” Jane said.

“Suddenly, I found myself in a world I knew nothing about.

“Six months later, I had cochlear implant surgery, and I am now learning to live with it.”

Jane said disability was never something she gave a lot of thought towards.

“When I returned to work, post cochlear surgery, no one really knew how to help me, including me,” Jane said.

“I want to help raise awareness, so everyone has disability at the forefront of their thinking in all aspects of work and life and I think Metro North ENABLE will be the way forward.”

Metro North ENABLE is part of Metro North Health’s commitment to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all employees and consumers regardless of their lived experience of disability, chronic health condition, neurodivergence or mental health. It also welcomes carers of a person with disability, as well as allies.

The ENABLE acronym stands for Employees Navigating Access, Barriers, Leadership, and Equity. It affirms and amplifies voices, experiences and leadership of staff with disability and their supporters.

During Disability Action Week (23-30 November) and the lead up to International Day of People with a Disability on Wednesday 3 December, Jane is celebrating being part of an inclusive and diverse community of people with a disability in Australia and across the world.

Jane continues to provide kind and compassionate care to her patients and colleagues. She has become an ambassador for people with disability through her work with Metro North ENABLE.

“I am very grateful for the ongoing support I have received from Metro North Health, which has helped me with the adjustments and support I need with my new disability,” she said.