Thanks to Dry July funding the Calvary Mater Newcastle Oncology Loan Pool continues to go from strength to strength as worn equipment is replaced and an additional range of equipment brought in.
The Oncology Loan Pool provides free short term loan of equipment to assist patients when they are discharged home or supports them to remain at home while receiving cancer treatment. Undergoing treatment and recovery from cancer can be a financially challenging time, and having access to the free Oncology Loan Pool assists in alleviating some of this burden.
A range of equipment is available to assist patients with activities of daily living like showering, toileting, transferring and mobility, as well as providing comfort measures to reduce pressure injuries.
Andrew Wakely, Occupational Therapist in Charge, says. “You cannot underestimate the difference the Oncology Loan Pool makes to our patients and their family members.
“One of our previous patients was undergoing treatment for breast cancer for a period of five years. Throughout this time and until her death, the Occupational Therapy Department was able to loan her items regularly to meet her ever changing comfort and functional needs. Items included cushions, mattresses, dressing aids, bathroom assistive equipment and a wheelchair.
“Sadly, several years later, the same patient’s husband found himself with an aggressive cancer diagnosis, also requiring assistance with a small amount of equipment to help him and his family manage his illness at home. With the aid of this equipment, the adult sons were able to care for their father right up until his death, and were very thankful that it assisted them to spend more quality time with their father in a familiar environment. The equipment reduced the patient’s risk of falls and increased his mobility, as well as providing comfort measures and assistive aids for showering and toileting. The service was free of charge, and took one more burden away from the family in their time of need.”
Andrew concludes, “It is an honour and a privilege to be able to assist our patients in what for many can be one of the most challenging and traumatic periods of their lives. However, this couldn’t happen without the generosity of Dry July allowing us to update and broaden our range of Oncology Loan Pool equipment. Thank you.”
