The Alfred, Melbourne

I was diagnosed with throat cancer on my vocal cords in April 2016. Following the diagnosis I was immediately referred to Professor Sidney Davis and his team at Alfred Health Radiation Oncology (AHRO) for assessment and my treatment program.

Prof. Davis and his team quickly mapped out my treatment program, consisting of 28 treatments over 6 weeks. These began on the 9th May 2016 and completed on the 15th June, as scheduled.  

During my daily visits to AHRO, my treatment was made easier by the staff who were always welcoming and friendly. This wonderful team who included nurses, speech therapists, dieticians, doctors, radiologists and administration staff, were all encouraging and supportive; treating me with compassion and warmth. Having all services available in the same location also makes treatment that much easier on patients and their supporters. 

I also noticed the same compassion and consideration shown to other patients undergoing their treatments during the same period. Family members and friends who accompanied patients also received the same consideration. It is just as important for patient supporters to understand the process and feel comfortable during these difficult times to come to terms with the prognosis and treatment programs. 

The facility at The Alfred is continually in need of upgrades and improvements to ensure that all patients who suffer from this horrible disease, cancer, feel comfortable, supported and have the best treatment possible. The Alfred is a major Melbourne medical facility and patients come from far and wide to receive the best care, with the latest equipment and treatments. Making patients feel comfortable during their treatment program and having the various health services and program available to support them, eases the stress of treatment as well as provides the best opportunity to return to good health again.      

Dry July for The Alfred is a chance to support this facility to raise funds to provide improved treatment facilities, improve support programs, create improved environments and surroundings and generally brighten the outlook for the growing number of cancer patients and their families and friends. No-one expects to need these services but the reality is that one day either you or a member of your family will need to go through treatment and you will want it to be as comfortable as possible. It’s not until you need the services and expertise of this world class medical facility that you realise how much difference the little things can make to your treatment. Please support Dry July for health with your financial donations and donate now!!! 

I urge and encourage you to spread the word and encourage your family, friends, colleagues and network to support Dry July and donate generously to The Alfred.      

Thank you  

Michael George - “2016 patient”

Check out our collection of photos which show how the staff here at The Alfred like to get involved with our Dry July campaign.

Thank you for helping to make a difference to the lives of people living with cancer.

We see it every day, the difficult journey not only our patients face but the impact of these challenges on their family and friends. With funds raised through Dry July we are able to provide spaces that are comforting and relaxing and generally reduce the stress often associated with hospital visits, like our Dry July garden. This has turned a previously unused space in a purpose designed garden alongside the radiotherapy waiting area.

Funds from Dry July participants in 2015 will help to renovate our reception and waiting area, transforming the space into a tranquil and peaceful area to visit. Plans are also underway to refurbish the patient kitchen on our cancer ward. Once finished patients and their visitors will be able to access a new ice machine as well as hot and cold filtered water tap, which will give them the ability to make a nice cup of tea or coffee.

The Alfred is again thrilled to be a beneficiary of another Dry July campaign. By doing something good for your health you can help us continue to make improvements that will help ease the burden of receiving treatment for cancer.

The Alfred will use Dry July funds to update the patient waiting area at William Buckland Radiotherapy Centre. This will include refurbishments to the reception area, introduction of more private seating for patients and carers, and mobile phone charging stations. 

In addition, the hospital will use Dry July money to improve 7 East ward kitchenette for patients, including: installation of a duel water filter tap which provides filtered cold water and boiling water from a unit above the sink; adding more storage; building a shelf for the ice machine; including a shelf for the microwave to free up bench space; and fitting out an area for bin storage. Patients spend a lot of time on the ward and these simple upgrades to the kitchen area will make the space a little more welcoming and usable.

The Alfred is astounded at the support the community has shown us throughout Dry July.   We would like to thank you for helping us to improve the facilities in which our patients are treated.  Your support assists people facing a very difficult journey and for that we are enormously grateful.  

Since becoming a beneficiary of Dry July in 2014, The Alfred has already seen some amazing and positive changes.  We recently opened a new garden courtyard outside the patient waiting area in the William Buckland Radiotherapy Centre.  This tranquil and beautiful space will have a constructive and beneficial influence on those undergoing cancer treatments.  With the funds received this year we will continue to improve those areas where our patients spend a great deal of their time. 

Our gratitude also should go to everyone who sponsored a family member or friend.  Your contribution should not go unremarked.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated by all of us and on behalf of the staff and patients at The Alfred, we thank you.

A/Prof Jeremy Millar – Director, Radiation Oncology, Alfred Health