The Calvary Mater Newcastle Oncology Loan Pool has been providing an ever increasing range of equipment to support patients in their oncology journey. This unique offering assists patients to trial and use assistive devices and other items from the loan pool in their own home. Each item is individually prescribed by an Occupational Therapist after assessing the patient’s specific needs. These may include pressure care through provision of mattresses and cushions, protective bedding, portable ramps, wheelchairs, shower chairs, bath boards and an incredible range of items all designed to make life easier for those going through a very difficult time.
This service is only made possible by Dry July funding and is provided to all patients receiving oncology or haematology treatment at Calvary Mater Newcastle.
In 2024, 330 people living with cancer accessed this completely free service at Calvary Mater Newcastle. The loan pool has nearly 900 pieces in total, with a range of 90 different items to choose from. This service is very valuable in supporting patient’s independence, reducing or eliminating the need for home modifications, and allows patients to discharge from hospital and be cared for at home.
Donna Waldron, Occupational Therapy Technical Assistant, says, “Families and patients comment consistently how thankful they are and how beneficial the equipment is in supporting the patient. They continue to be surprised that this is a completely free service, particularly when medical care can be so costly. It comes at a time when many patients are vulnerable, and the loan is very much appreciated. Dry July funding has made it possible to replenish damaged and worn stock, and evolve the range to encompass many more options for supporting the patient’s care and comfort”.
Donna also stated, “Many patients and their families experience relief from the pressure care items when undergoing treatment and express gratitude at being able to utilise these items that they may not have otherwise known were available, or had the funding to purchase.”
One particular patient receiving ongoing treatment for cancer had a lengthy hospital stay and was happy to go home after treatment knowing he could safely transfer in and out of bed, and shower using our loan pool equipment.
He could also sit comfortably in the lounge chair and access the front door of their house with ramps in place all due to the equipment provided through the Oncology Loan Pool.
The patient’s wife said, “It is a wonderful thing to have these things dropped to our house and set up so he can come home again. He will be very pleased to be back in his own bed.”
Sometimes it is the smallest things that make the biggest difference, and the Occupational Therapy team see daily the benefits of being able to offer equipment from the loan pool to patients in their time of need to support them, their families and carers, and make their life a little easier.
Another example of one of the many patients who was the recipient of some loaned equipment was an elderly lady with advanced disease. After a prolonged hospital admission in oncology she was aiming for discharge home to spend time with her husband.
The disease had robbed her of muscle mass and she had a very low weight – this meant getting comfortable in a bed or chair was very difficult. In addition she needed to be upright to help with breathing but wanted to stay in her own bed with her husband.
Occupational Therapy was able to provide a waffle cushion and waffle mattress overlay which she found very comfortable and eased the pain in her coccyx.
When asked about the difference the items had made she responded, “I love it! I am very grateful and my husband and family seem less anxious for me knowing that I am just that bit more comfortable.”
Her Occupational Therapist has kept reviewing her and has seen that although her mobility and function are deteriorating, the loan pool equipment has helped to allow her to be in her home with family.
