Barwon Health's Andrew Love Cancer Centre, Geelong

Andrew Love Cancer Centre continues to provide diaries to patients who are attending chemotherapy treatment to assist with their scheduling of appointments both medical and personal to alleviate the stress of the complex appointment schedules. These diaries have been made possible through Dry July funding for a few years now.

Emily, pictured here, says 'During my treatment I have found the diary really useful during my chemotherapy and subsequent surgery for keeping track of appointments and phone numbers for any questions I have during my treatment journey.'

Thanks to Dry July, the Andrew Love Cancer Centre in Geelong has been able to offer expressive art classes as part of the Supportive Care Centre. Patient feedback on these sessions has been very positive.

“I came in feeling heavy & we are leaving feeling lighter because of the art therapy”

“The session has opened my thinking, making me look at the situation in a different and more positive way.”

“The class has allowed me to share with others and helped me with ways to deal with things”.

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