Westmead Hospital - The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre

Through 12 years of participation in the Dry July campaign, CPMCC at Westmead Hospital has raised significant funds to support cancer service and facility improvements, enhancing the experience of patients and their carers throughout their cancer journey.

Thanks to this ongoing support, we’ve been able to deliver a wide range of impactful projects across our service, including:

• Purchase of Aboriginal Artwork to display in the Cancer service reception area

• Floral arrangements display in Radiation Oncology and cancer service main foyer

• Purchase of 4 x dressing trolleys for the delivery of chemotherapy treatment • Patient monitoring and measurement equipment for Brachytherapy Bunker and Linacs

• Mobile Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Stands with 2 Large Baskets- Oncology ward

• Renovations and refurbishment of all outpatients waiting areas within CPMCC, including replacement of all the chairs within the clinic consult rooms

• Installation of sky ceiling in Radiation Oncology. The project helps patients to look up at the backlit panels that feature various outdoor scenes, creating the illusion they are looking through the ceiling to the sky or into the ocean

• Replacement of all chemotherapy chairs at the centre

• Purchased of stylish patient gowns for breast cancer patients during their treatment

• Purchased 2 iPads with adjustable stands and speakers to help culturally and linguistically diverse cancer patients attending the day care clinic to communicate with interpreters via video link to better understand their complex treatments for Westmead Day Suite Cancer Care.

• Creation and printing of psycho-oncology brochures,

• Installation of art works within Westmead Cancer Service

• Provision of flowers and music within the centre to create a welcoming environment, • Purchased iPads to provide music in bunkers for our patients whilst receiving their daily treatment to reduce anxiety,

• Provision of physiotherapy weights for cancer related exercise routines,

• Purchased of new stylish patient gowns for breast cancer patients during their treatment

• Purchased of 4X patient monitoring system

• Purchased of tower fan

These initiatives help create a more welcoming, supportive, and patient-centred environment, making a real difference to how people experience treatment each day.

All of this has been made possible through the generosity of Dry July participants and donors.

Funds raised through Dry July 2026 will continue to support vital, patient-focused improvements across both outpatient and inpatient areas, helping ensure every patient and carer feels supported, comfortable, and cared for throughout their cancer journey.

"As most of you will know this time last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer thanks to a regular mammogram. Then ensued what can only be described as a wild old ride …... Diagnosis, COVID, Shingles, Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy and the awful discovery that I had a lot of white hair just waiting for an excuse to come forth!

I was fortunate to receive exceptional care from the dedicated staff at the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) throughout my treatment.

This is me at my last treatment session in January. Can you tell how happy I was? And I was even happier to hand back the lovely gown!!!! Thank you for your support, and don’t forget to book that mammogram! Early detection can save your life."

Linda is wearing a patient gown funded by the Dry July campaign.

Through CPMMC participation in Dry July, we managed to fund several projects within the service including.

• Renovations and refurbishment of all outpatients waiting areas within CPMCC, including replacement of all the chairs within the clinic consult rooms

• Installation of sky ceiling in Radiation Oncology. The project helps patients to look up at the backlit panels that feature various outdoor scenes, creating the illusion they are looking through the ceiling to the sky or into the ocean

• Replacement of all chemotherapy chairs at the centre,

• Purchased 2 iPads with adjustable stands and speakers to help culturally and linguistically diverse cancer patients attending the day care clinic to communicate with interpreters via video link to better understand their complex treatments for Westmead Day Suite Cancer Care.

• Creation and printing of psycho-oncology brochures,

• Installation of art works within Westmead Cancer Service

• Provision of flowers and music within the centre to create a welcoming environment,

• Purchased iPads to provide music in bunkers for our patients whilst receiving their daily treatment to reduce anxiety,

• Provision of physiotherapy weights for cancer related exercise routines,

• New patient treatment gowns

• Purchased of patient monitoring system

• Purchased of tower fan

“I won't lie, I have moments where I've broken down, and I've cried. I want to give up at times. But it's the people around me who are cheering me on and telling me ‘You can do this. You're very strong. You've come so far.’”

Sok Whyte is a Clinical Nurse Educator at WSLHD who was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in February 2022. She received treatment at Westmead Hospital, where she works.

“Having the services at Westmead Hospital and working here has been a true blessing. The moment that I saw the doctor, I knew I was in really good hands.”

Sok has volunteered to participate in CPMCC Dry July campaign and encourages you to support the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) team at Westmead Hospital, who are raising a non-alcoholic glass for Dry July to raise funds to support cancer patients, their families, and carers during their challenging journey.

Your donation can make a world of difference, providing essential services and support to those affected by cancer. From lifts to life-saving appointments and guidance from specialist nurses to therapy programs and comfortable accommodation close to treatment, every contribution counts.

We're excited to announce that the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital will be able to fund the following thanks to Dry July 2023 fundraising:

• The purchase of iPads to provide music in bunkers for our patients. Allowing patients to select their own music, helps to reduce anxiety and take their mind off the daily treatment

• Renovations and refurbishment of all outpatient waiting areas

• Replacement of all chemotherapy chairs at the centre

• Installation of artworks

• Purchase of dumbells for the Westmead Hospital X-men 8-week prostate cancer recovery physiotherapy program

• Video interpreting solutions for Westmead Day Suite (Cancer care) to assist linguistically diverse cancer patients with communication to better understand their complex treatments

• New patient treatment gowns

• Floral arrangements in the main reception