Supporting Mesothelioma patients across Western Australia: A specialist nurse pers

In this episode, we speak with Kirsten Mooney about the vital role specialist nurses play in supporting people diagnosed with mesothelioma, and the realities of delivering care across Western Australia. Trained in Edinburgh and now a Thoracic Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant in WA, Kirsten sits down with James O’Loghlin to explain how specialist nurses guide patients from diagnosis through treatment and palliative care, manage complex symptoms, advocate in multidisciplinary meetings, and provide a consistent, trusted point of contact during an overwhelming time. With mesothelioma often carrying significant psychological and social impact, continuity of care can make a significant difference.

Western Australia — the largest state in the country, with a long history of asbestos exposure, particularly in the former mining town of Wittenoom — faces unique challenges shaped by distance, travel and regional access. Kirsten discusses how geography influences the patient experience and why coordinated, statewide support matters. Although mesothelioma affects fewer people than lung cancer, the needs are often complex and deeply personal. As part of the ADDRI-Mesothelioma UK Commonwealth Mesothelioma Alliance, supported by the Biaggio Signorelli Foundation, Kirsten hopes to see a dedicated network of mesothelioma nurses in Australia — strengthening education, raising awareness, building research partnerships and improving care - because, as she reminds us, “mesothelioma is mesothelioma wherever you live.”

This is an excellent conversation to understand the incredible difference specialist nurse care has on people and families living with mesothelioma.

Kirsten is a Thoracic Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant who provides a state-wide service within Western Australia.

She is employed by the Cancer Network WA. Kirsten is operational at the patient, health professional and service level. She provides a strategic, state-wide influence in the provision of cancer nurse coordination and clinical expertise within the field of lung cancer and mesothelioma. The clinical aspect of the role begins at diagnosis and extends along the continuum of the patient journey through to palliative care. The strategic aspect of the role includes clinical leadership and consultancy to medical, nursing and allied health care professionals, as well as input to policy and strategy development.

Kirsten is also part of the specialist nurse group that ADDRI has brought together under the Commonwealth Mesothelioma Alliance – a partnership between ADDRI and Mesothelioma UK, funded by the Biaggio Signorelli Foundation. Mesothelioma UK has a network of trained specialist mesothelioma nurses around the UK - Australia has none. The aim is to replicate the UK mesothelioma nurse model in Australia, as well as share research and training.

To find out more about ADDRI, visit our website.

Thank you to our Podcast Interviewer and host James O’Loghlin and Producer Rod Morri from Sydney Podcast Studios.

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