Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital

From Monday to Friday over 200 patients sit in the hospital’s Medical Centre Waiting Room before attending a consultation with one of the hospital’s doctors or nurses.

Previously the room had a bland and sterile feel to it and upon patient’s requests and thanks to Dry July funding this space has now been transformed into a comfortable, homely and functional room.

Kelly Crawford, Nursing Unit Manager at the Medical Centre, said:

“We are very grateful to Dry Julyers and their supporters for funding this makeover. We consulted with our patients throughout the makeover to ensure the changes would be in line with their wishes and a lovely space would be created that would bring comfort to our patients.

“Patient feedback requests were for the room to be ‘more homely and comfortable’ and for an ‘area to be set aside for families, some for family groups of three or more people.’”  

“The walls of the Medical Centre have now been painted in softer tones to create warmth and that homely feel.

“The new chairs needed to be comfortable, as well as serviceable, to enable support and allow all patients to get in and out of them easily. We decided to replace some chairs with lounges and ottomans for variable seating options and the waiting room has been reorganised incorporating some family seating arrangements.

“Patients also requested reading material and access to the internet, so we now have a magazine stand and have subscribed to a variety of magazines to be placed for reading in the waiting room. Wireless access to the internet and two laptops provided on our new trestle tables have also been made available, much to our patient’s delight.

“We were also able to purchase sets of new coffee tables and paintings to brighten up the walls. It has all made such a difference to the look and feel of the room.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone that took the time and effort to participate in Dry July, your kindness has brought much joy and comfort to our patients.”

“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

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)

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.