Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital

Marissa Ledlin, NUM Ward 5A / Medical Assessment & Admission Zone at Calvary Mater Newcastle, expressed gratitude to Dry July supporters, saying:

“The funds donated through Dry July have allowed us to breathe ‘new life’ into our ward’s waiting room. Before this renovation, our patients’ friends and family lacked a comfortable place to sit and rest or for discussions with staff to take place. The room was tired, old and not very functional.

“However, thanks to Dry Julyers we now have a lovely new room that flows with the rest of the unit. I have received many comments from our visitors on what a nice, relaxing and comfortable space it has been transformed into. It meets our visitors’ needs perfectly and we are so grateful this transformation could take place. Thank you.”

The Haematology Ward Waiting Room was fortunate to benefit from a makeover thanks to Dry Julyers generosity.

This area allows patients and their families and friends to have a haven away from the ward. The new couches and lounge chairs provide comfort for those who need to wait – whether that is for doctor reviews, investigation results, transport, outpatient bookings, etc. 

The room also adds a bit of colour and comfort to our patient’s lives during their stay on the ward as commonly patients stay in our care for at least a month. The room presents the opportunity for a change of scenery and some home comforts. 

It is so lovely to walk past the room and see patients and their carers having the opportunity to not only relax in a comfortable setting, but also have the chance to chat with other people going through similar circumstances.

We thank you all for your commitment and kindness to help make this makeover happen.” 

- Olivia Edwards, Acting Nursing Unit Manager on Ward 5C/D (Haematology)

“The Oncology Meditation Group runs weekly for patients and their carers, helping to provide opportunities and support to learn and practice meditation techniques. Our members are often asking about ways they can continue with their practice outside of the group.

In response to this Dry July funds have provided us with an expansion of our resources to include a library of meditation CD’s and books for members to borrow so they can continue with their practice at home. Funding was also provided for a display cabinet to hold our existing and new resources, enabling easy access for both our members and therapists running the group.

The resources have been well received with members borrowing each week. We are very grateful to Dry Julyers and their supporters for helping us to improve our resources and service to our patients and their carers.”

- Peta Parsons, Occupational Therapist

Olivia Edwards, Acting Nursing Unit Manager on Ward 5C/D (Haematology), said:

“On behalf of staff, patients, their family and friends, I would like to thank Dry Julyers for their fundraising efforts on behalf of Calvary Mater Newcastle.

“The Haematology Ward Waiting Room was fortunate to benefit from a makeover thanks to Dry Julyers generosity.

“This area allows patients and their families and friends to have a haven away from the ward. The new couches and lounge chairs provide comfort for those who need to wait – whether that is for doctor reviews, investigation results, transport, outpatient bookings, etc.

“The room also adds a bit of colour and comfort to our patient’s lives during their stay on the ward as commonly patients stay in our care for at least a month. The room presents the opportunity for a change of scenery and some home comforts.

“It is so lovely to walk past the room and see patients and their carers having the opportunity to not only relax in a comfortable setting, but also have the chance to chat with other people going through similar circumstances.

“We thank you all for your commitment and kindness to help make this makeover happen.” 

The Occupational Therapy Department at Calvary Mater Newcastle is planning to purchase new equipment for the Oncology Equipment Loan Pool using funds from Dry July 2015. This equipment benefits oncology and haematology patients; addressing their unique care, comfort and pressure care needs. It enables them to stay in their own homes for as long as possible whilst promoting safer and more timely discharges from the wards. At present there are 268 patients who benefit from the use of this equipment.

The hospital will also use funds towards new wigs for the wig service (a program Dry July has been proud to fund for several years) and refurbishments in the medical centre waiting room.