When the diagnosis is Mesothelioma: How the ADDRI Support Service helps patients and families navigate the journey

When a person receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, they are often desperately searching for answers. In today’s episode, James O’Loghlin sits down with Carmel Oostveen, one of the dedicated Mesothelioma Support Nurses at the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI), to explore the compassionate and complex world of supporting people affected by mesothelioma.

Carmel shares her journey into nursing, from surgical and intensive care units through to her current role, where she provides one-on-one emotional, psychological, and clinical support to patients and carers navigating this rare and devastating disease.

We learn how Carmel first encountered mesothelioma patients during her time in a cardiothoracic ICU, caring for them after surgery and witnessing the intensity of Trimodal Therapy.

That early experience sparked a deep commitment to helping patients and their families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

In conversation with James, Carmel discusses how ADDRI’s Support Service—unique in being independent of hospitals and available across Australia—offers both clinical expertise and emotional support to individuals and families navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Alongside fellow nurse Pamela Logan, she provides one-on-one guidance through complex healthcare systems, starting from the very first phone call. Carmel discusses the realities of a typical day, the importance of listening, and how she helps patients and carers through the most difficult conversations. She also highlights how support extends beyond the person diagnosed—because carers need care too.

If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed, Carmel explains how to reach out and why doing so can make all the difference.

Carmel Oostveen is a Mesothelioma Support Coordinator with the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI). A Clinical Nurse Consultant Carmel’s career in nursing spans over several decades, marked by her unwavering dedication to her patients. Her journey into the specialised field of mesothelioma was built on a strong foundation of experience as an Intensive Care (ICU) nurse, with a particular focus on cardiothoracics. In her role at ADDRI, Carmel works closely with diagnosed mesothelioma patients, offering vital support and guidance to both them and their families.

Find out more about the ADDRI Support Service here: https://addri.org.au/support/getting-support/

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website: www.addri.org.au

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin https://jamesologhlin.com/> and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios https://sydneypodcaststudios.com.au/.

If you have any questions or comments, please email info@addri.org.au