Meet our latest Health Hero Stephen Smith who, as a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse, is providing support to men at the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Cancer Care Unit.
How long have you been with WBHHS?
13 years.
How do you describe what you do?
I support men diagnosed with prostate cancer by providing education and ensuring they understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects.
I help coordinate care, answer questions and support patients and families throughout their treatment and recovery, and in the weeks, months, and years after with a focus on improving their understanding, building confidence and maintaining a good quality of life.
What's best about your job?
Supporting patients and families while working in collaboration with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is the best part of my role.
The PCFA provides exceptional evidence-based resources and advocacy. Connecting patients with the support of the PCFA and local Prostate Cancer Support Groups makes a real difference.
What was your path into health care?
My interest in healthcare came from wanting to support people during difficult times.
I have been working in cancer care for 18 years, which naturally led me to specialise in men’s health and prostate cancer.
What does being part of a team mean to you?
Being part of a team means working collaboratively through communication and support for each other to deliver the best care for patients.
When you're not at work, you are...
Spending time with family and friends, keeping active and getting out and about exploring Australia in the caravan.
What do you enjoy about living in Wide Bay?
I enjoy the relaxed pace, and the balance Wide Bay offers between work, lifestyle and the outdoors.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
In my next life, I would like to become a festival DJ.
What song are you listening to most right now?
I enjoy house music and electronic dance music.