Celebrating a remarkable career in cancer care
Cancer nurse Helen Mott is retiring after almost 40 years at The Alfred, marking the end of an extraordinary career dedicated to patient care.
Helen first arrived at The Alfred as a 21-year-old trainee, leaving home in Geelong to take up residence in The Alfred’s on-site nursing quarters (now Alfred Lane House).
After three years of training across the wards, Helen spread her wings at the Royal District Nursing Service, followed by time spent working in Saudi Arabia.
But Helen’s heart was at The Alfred, and she returned in 1994 to take up a role as a radiotherapy nurse, working with the team until 2001, when she became a cancer support nurse.
“When I first started we had 1.5 nurses working in cancer care,” reflects Helen.
“It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come and how far cancer services have developed. That team of 1.5 is now 28 and growing.”
In 2022, Helen became one of The Alfred’s first specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses, dedicated to supporting women with early breast cancer.
“Working with patients during some of their ‘darkest days’ has been an incredible privilege,” said Helen.
“To be allowed to enter their lives, at such a difficult time, and to stand beside them as they make their way through diagnosis and treatment and, hopefully, recovery, is something I’ll always be truly grateful for.”
Alfred Cancer’s Director of Operations, Ellen Heywood, said Helen’s contribution to the lives of patients, families and colleagues had been profound.
“Helen's compassion, patient-centred approach and positive influence have left a lasting legacy on the cancer program and we will miss her greatly,” Ellen said.
“From her wisdom and guidance to her motherly support, readiness to lend a listening ear and, of course, her unwavering passion for the Geelong Cats, Helen has had a significant impact on everyone around her.”
Helen agrees, saying the friendship and dedication of her teammates has been a highlight of her career.
“The people I have worked with over the years have always inspired me,” said Helen. “They’ve always let me be who I am.”
“They’ve been so different, but all so supportive, especially the mentors I’ve had along the way.”
As Helen says goodbye to this chapter of her life, and prepares for the next, the importance of her work over the last four decades becomes clear.
“I can’t really think of the words to describe it,” said Helen.
“I’m just starting to realise how big this has really been.”
