Sandy’s story inspires new protocol for complex home care After discovering she had a very rare type of recurring ovarian tumour, life was destined to change for 57-year-old Sandy.
Reflecting on her mother’s resilience and journey with the Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service team, Sandy’s daughter Anastasia said the care she was provided with, alongside the training for her father, will always be appreciated by the family. “Even with her diagnosis, mum always wanted to live a normal life. Being able to get this procedure implemented for her was really special and helped her feel more in control - she felt like she had her freedom back,” she said. “The NSHNS always made sure that mum was in a really happy and comfortable environment, and that’s a testament to the nursing team, who became an extended part of our family.” Andrea and Anastasia recently shared Sandy’s story as a case study at the 2025 NSW Health Virtual Nursing and Midwifery Showcase, showcasing the work involved and inspiring staff across the state. The team welcome staff to get in touch if they’re caring for patients in similar circumstances, helping shape the future of home-based care. Find out more here: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/pach/ Pages/NSHNS.aspx?
Her diagnosis spanned 15 years and led to chemotherapy, numerous procedures, and ultimately daily peritoneal drainage of ascites via a port, alongside multiple hernias. As part of her treatment, Sandy was cared for by oncology and palliative clinical nurse consultant Andrea Firgau and the Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service (NSHNS) Ryde team from the comfort of her own home. Andrea said Sandy always remained focused on maintaining a quality of life, with the hope of one day returning to her holiday home on the NSW South Coast. “Although she appreciated being able to be treated at home, it was challenging for her to be restricted in her movements without the prospect of going away even for a few days,” Andrea said. “She particularly wanted to spend some quality time with her family at her holiday home, a place which held many special memories.” A step-by-step aseptic technique protocol was developed so Sandy’s
husband, Arthur, could safely manage the daily drainage at home. Alongside Andrea and the Northern Sydney Home Nursing Service team, Arthur trained over two months, practising on mannequins, observing nurses, and performing the procedure under supervision until he gained full confidence. “Arthur became competent to carry out the drainage, and that allowed Sandy the freedom to travel. She later told me it made a meaningful difference in her life,” said Andrea. Sandy sadly passed away in February 2025 after fighting a strong battle, but her legacy of determination and empowering carers to undertake routine treatment lives on. “We are hopeful we can help patients in similar positions to Sandy to have this support, by a willing carer, to make a difficult time that bit easier, since we now have an education package designed,” said Andrea.
Sandy (centre) and her family
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