Clinical Nurse Coordinator, Brain Tumour Support

Vivien Biggs, RN

A neurosurgery nursing specialist, Vivien Biggs is the Clinical Nurse Coordinator of Brain Tumour Support at BrizBrain & Spine. This position is dedicated to providing support and information to brain tumour patients, both during and after their treatment for as long as they need it.

This role was created based on research conducted by QUT, Queensland Cancer Council and BrizBrain & Spine neurosurgeon, Dr David Walker. Research found that brain tumour patients crave information as well as practical support. Many patients feel overwhelmed by their diagnosis and are unable to digest all the information provided during their short medical appointments. Importantly, they also want a specialist available at any time of the day or night, seven days a week. In order to provide our patients with outstanding care, BrizBrain and Spine acted on these findings and created Vivien's role, which is unique to Australian neurosurgery practice.

Vivian brings outstanding qualifications to the role, with a Bachelor of Nursing and a Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience Nursing, and is currently completing a Masters in Nursing Science (Nurse Practitioner). In addition to these qualifications, Vivian has twenty years of nursing experience and a passion for neurosurgery, making her the perfect candidate to provide our patients with continuous care.

According to Vivien, the difference her role can make in the lives of brain tumour patients makes her glad to come to work each morning.

"The role is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so it's very demanding, but it is also rewarding. Some of my patients contact me often; others only rarely, but they know I'm there. For some patients, it is enough to know that they are not on their own," Vivien said.

She shares a commitment to advancing the human aspects of neurosurgery, as well as the science with all the practitioners at BrizBrain & Spine. 

Vivien's role has both a clinical component where she provides practical assistance at the ward level, as well as a significant amount of care coordination. Much of her time is spent coordinating the multitude of follow-up appointments for patients, to ensure they do not get 'lost in the system' as can happen when multiple treatment providers are involved. She organises referrals to other treatment providers as well and ensures patients and their families have the necessary information about their tests, diagnosis and treatments.

Vivien also works extensively with the BrizBrain & Spine Research Foundation, assisting with trials to improve the coordination of patient care and improve outcomes for brain tumour patients.