How our dedicated nurses support people with occupational lung disease

A diagnosis of an occupational lung disease can turn life upside down.

Whether you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, silicosis, asbestosis, or another work-related lung disease, you're suddenly faced with specialist appointments, treatment decisions, unfamiliar medical terms and questions about what comes next.

Many people also find themselves navigating the legal process while trying to manage their health and navigate the health care system. That's why alongside our lawyers, we have dedicated Lung Clinical Nurse Consultants who provide ongoing clinical guidance, education, and support to clients and their families throughout their legal journey, and beyond.

Why we have dedicated Lung Clinical Nurse Consultants

Legal support is only one part of what many people need after being diagnosed with an occupational lung disease.

Our Lung Clinical Nurse Consultants work alongside our legal team to help clients better understand their diagnosis, access appropriate healthcare and support services, and navigate what is likely an overwhelming time.

Importantly, this support is provided at no additional cost to Maurice Blackburn clients and isn't limited to the duration of a legal claim.

As Lung Clinical Nurse Consultant and Healthcare Lead Sara McLaughlin-Barrett explains, the role was created because people living with lung disease often need additional support together with their medical care.

"We know that patients going through a lung cancer diagnosis are often feeling isolated and under-supported. That's exactly why Maurice Blackburn created this role."

"Our support isn't instead of medical care. It's an additional layer of care that focuses on helping people understand their diagnosis, treatment, and future care needs."

Meet our Lung Clinical Nurse Consultants

Maurice Blackburn's nursing team combines decades of experience caring for people with lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other thoracic diseases.

Sara McLaughlin-Barrett

Sara has been one of Australia's leading Lung Clinical Nurse Consultants for more than a decade.

Throughout her career, she has established multiple lung cancer services across Victorian hospitals and has worked extensively with people living with lung cancer and mesothelioma. She has also contributed to research, patient advocacy, and improving healthcare services for people affected by thoracic cancers.

Based in Melbourne, Sara supports clients across VIC, SA, WA, and Tasmania through home visits, telephone consultations, and telehealth.

Amy O'Donnell

Amy is an experienced oncology nurse with more than 15 years' experience supporting people affected by cancer across clinical, research, and inpatient settings.

Before joining Maurice Blackburn, she was the Lung Cancer Nurse at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, where she established and developed the lung cancer nurse role within the multidisciplinary thoracic cancer team. She has extensive experience supporting people with mesothelioma and lung cancer throughout treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and survivorship care.

Based in Sydney, Amy supports clients across New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT, and the Northern Territory through telephone consultations, telehealth, and home visits where appropriate.

What support do our nurses provide?

Every person's experience is different, so our nurses' support varies with each client's needs. This may include:

• explaining diagnoses, treatments, and clinical trials
• helping manage symptoms and treatment side effects
• providing emotional and psychological support
• advocating for additional services and care at home
• coordinating with existing healthcare providers
• referring clients to specialists or community support services
• supporting families and carers
• helping clients understand what to expect throughout their treatment journey

Amy says one of the most important aspects of her role is providing ongoing support that continues beyond the legal process.

"My role is to support patients through their legal claim, but it doesn't stop once that claim has been finalised. It continues for as long as the patient and their family want."

"The support I provide is really wide and varied. It might mean referring you to a specialist, advocating for more support at home or connecting you with a support group, depending on what you need."

Supporting you throughout your journey

Receiving a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease, silica-related disease, or another disease caused by exposure at work can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

Our dedicated Lung Clinical Nurse Consultants work alongside your legal team to provide compassionate, evidence-based support throughout your journey, from diagnosis and treatment through to life after your claim has resolved.

As Sara says:

"When accessing legal support, you shouldn't have to worry that you won't have health support. At Maurice Blackburn, you get both."