Barwon Health's Andrew Love Cancer Centre, Geelong

I have had the opportunity to work closely with the Physiotherapy Assistant on the Oncology ward. The program has allowed me try things I thought I wouldn’t be able to do, knowing she was there to support me and guide me through the program. She was able to spend time with me to extend on exercises, allow me extra mobility practice and other therapeutic techniques such as yoga breathing and mindfulness strategies to gain confidence in my own abilities. I have appreciated her hard work, patience and knowledge. She is confident in her interactions and I have enjoyed working with her on a personal level.

Julie

Dry July has provided funding toward the upgrade to the centre. Scott, a brain cancer survivor endorses the centre:

“The clinicians and support staff at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre have all been great. Their support has helped me get through a very tough time. They are always checking in on me and making sure my treatment is going well. This redevelopment will make a big difference to patients just like me, but also all the staff there.”

Scott is currently undergoing 12 months of chemotherapy through the Andrew Love Cancer Centre and has regular meetings and appointments with support staff clinicians, including Professor David Ashley.

“My focus right now is on my health for the sake of my family, and I'm confident I can keep fighting this, and I'm hopeful that one day we can live in a cancer-free world,” he said

As part of the #Projectlove - Andrew Love Cancer Centre Redevelopment, the Barwon Health Foundation team along with Day Ward and Pharmacy staff input, have taken the first steps of commencing the project and construction through initial concept plan development.

The redevelopment will dramatically change the efficiency and atmosphere of the Chemotherapy Day Ward. 

Project Love is to be fully funded by the community, and the funds from Dry July will provide more privacy and comfort for those treated at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre. 

Benefits include:

- More privacy and space for patients in the Day Ward

- A more comfortable, efficient and modern Day Ward

- More efficient facilities in the Oncology Pharmacy to support the continued growth in the volume of manufactured chemotherapy drugs.

- More space for the individual counselling of patients, particularly with the increase in the use of oral chemotherapy treatments.

- A direct link between Oncology Pharmacy and Day Ward - allowing for safer and more efficient transport and delivery of drugs. 

Read more at the Barwon Health Foundation's website: http://barwonhealthfoundation.org.au/hospital-appeal-project-love

The #ProjectLove chemotherapy day ward redevelopment at Barwon Health will provide more privacy and comfort for the 220 people per week who are treated in the Andrew Love Cancer Centre. The redevelopment will provide more individual and private treatment spaces and new equipment to ensure that all who attend the ALCC have the optimal state- of -the- art treatment and care.

Dry July 2016 funding will benefit this project.

Grant funding was given to Barwon Health Foundation by the Dry July Foundation for implementing a new art therapy program as well as an exercise therapy program on the Baxter 6 Cancer Ward at University Hospital.

These programs will be free for cancer patients, and may offer relief by helping to alleviate anxiety, reduce pain, and build strength (both physical and emotional).