New Clinic Named In Honour Of A Special Nurse
One of the busiest breast clinics in New Zealand has just opened a one-stop-shop service which will review up to 2000
women a year for possible breast cancer.
North Shore Hospital’s breast clinic, which sees women from North Shore, Rodney and Waitakere districts, was opened by
North Shore Mayor George Wood late last month . It was named in honour of one of the clinic’s former breast care nurses,
Anne Young, who died in May last year following a brief illness.
Mrs Young worked at the hospital as a breast care nurse specialist for five years. She was extremely highly regarded
among both colleagues and patients for her unfailing commitment and devotion to the breast care service.
At the opening of the clinic Manager of The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation Helen Mawn announced the Foundation
will be undertaking a campaign to raise funds for a $150,000 ultrasound machine for the clinic.
“We are very proud to be associated with the clinic. We hope to get the required amount of money as well as raise
awareness of breast cancer and this facility.”
The clinic incorporates mammography, ultrasound, x-ray and biopsy functions in one place so that patients need only
visit the hospital once for various diagnostic procedures.
Clinical Director of Surgery Richard Harman, who worked as a breast surgeon alongside Mrs Young, says the clinic will
diagnose around 150 to 200 breast cancers each year.
“The clinic is one of the busiest in the country, and is also a leader in significant research trials within New
Zealand.”
He says it was decided to dedicate the breast clinic to Anne following the diagnosis of her illness last year.
“She devoted an enormous amount of time to her patients and helped so much in the establishment of this clinic.”
Her husband Peter Young was present with other relatives at the opening, and said his wife devoted her energy to her
patients.
“Patients came first with Anne. There were no half measures; she was always in boots and all. This is Anne’s legacy,
never to be forgotten.”