Image used for representational purposes only//The South Australian Government has outlined an election commitment to expand specialist nursing support for people living with myeloma, with a focus on improving access in regional and remote communities.
The proposal includes a $400,000 funding boost over four years for Myeloma Australia, building on an existing programme that provides dedicated nurses trained to support patients with the blood cancer. The organisation’s current model, which includes a telephone support line, education resources and community groups, is already in place across the state.
Myeloma affects more than 22,000 Australians and remains incurable, with no screening programme or established prevention methods. In South Australia, more than 200 people were diagnosed in 2024, according to the state’s cancer registry, with around 100 deaths recorded in the same period. The condition can be difficult to identify early, often presenting with bone damage and other complex symptoms.
Supporters of the funding say specialist nurses play a central role in helping patients manage treatment, understand their diagnosis and navigate a complex care system. Access, however, can vary widely depending on location. For people living outside metropolitan Adelaide, distance can limit regular contact with specialist services.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the additional funding is intended to extend support beyond city-based services, with greater attention on regional communities. Health Minister Chris Picton highlighted the role of nurses in guiding patients through what can be a long and uncertain treatment journey.
The commitment builds on earlier funding, including a grant that enabled the recruitment of part-time specialist nurses and support for a full-time position within the Central Adelaide Local Health Network. Broader investment in cancer care nursing has also been part of recent health budgets, with programmes covering lung cancer, brain cancer and general oncology support.
Myeloma Australia chief executive Mark Henderson said consistent access to specialist nurses can improve coordination of care and patient confidence, particularly in areas where services are limited. Patient advocates have echoed this view, noting that ongoing contact with trained professionals can reduce isolation and improve day-to-day management of the disease.
Some health policy observers point out that while targeted programmes can improve patient experience, workforce availability and long-term funding remain ongoing challenges across regional health services. Expanding specialist roles often depends on training pipelines and retention in rural areas, which can be difficult to sustain.
The proposal will head to voters as part of the government’s broader health platform, with its impact likely to depend on how effectively services can be extended beyond metropolitan centres and integrated into existing care networks.
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