Remote Patient Video Conferencing
Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre (BRICC) is using funds from Dry July to install a video conferencing system that will enable clinical staff to hold consultations with patients who would otherwise need to travel long distances. In remote and regional areas, for example, patients sometimes travel in excess of 200kms round-trip to attend a 15 minute appointment; this system would save them some of that travel time and associated stress.
Liverpool Cancer Wellness Centre
Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre at Liverpool Hospital used funds raised by Dry July 2012 to fit out a new wellness centre.The centre offers a friendly, supportive environment that provides a relaxed non-clinical area for patients and carers in the South Western Sydney district.
The centre comprises an indoor and outdoor kitchen, beauty room, physiotherapy room, wig library and patient resource library. Services offered include support and education groups, information sessions, occupational therapy assessment clinics, exercise classes, psychology and social work clinics.
iPads for Patient Use at Northern Sydney Cancer Centre
What a hit these have been with our patients! Hundreds of hours of treatment are given in our cancer centre each year, and this last year our patients have been thankful for the opportunity to read, watch videos and stay in touch with their loved ones while receiving treatment.
Chemotherapy Diaries for Barwon Health
Dry July is proud to have funded a pilot at Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre in Geelong for patient chemotherapy diaries.
These booklets contain in depth information on chemotherapy treatment for patients at the centre, as well as key contact information, and individual record keeping pages - so they can travel with patients for quick reference.
Upgrades at Nepean CCC Waiting Area
Nepean Cancer Care Centre used funds from Dry July 2012 to upgrade the facilities in the main waiting area, to compliment the new courtyard renovation (funded by Dry July). This included replacing chairs, installing a new beverage service, bookcase / entertainment area, and aquarium.
Nepean Cancer Care Centre Courtyard
The NCCC in Penrith recently completed renovation of their courtyard area, funded by Dry July 2011. The outdoor area is a place for cancer patients and their families to get some fresh air away from the busy waiting area.
Complete with plenty of seating, a bubbling fountain, and calming vegetation it is a space in which patients can relax peacefully. Prior to refurbishment patients were not able to access this space.
Patient Area Refurbishments
With funds from 2012 Calvary Mater Hospital refurbished their surgical ward patient lounge area.
Electronic Air Lock Doors for BMT
Dry July funds were used to install electronic air lock doors for ward 5 East (BMT) at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Rigorous infection control measures need to be followed to protect patients in this ward who are highly susceptible to common illnesses.
Blanket Warming Cabinets
A warm blanket can provide comfort during a patient’s treatment and recovery; they can help to relax patients in a busy hospital setting.
Chris Leon from the Mater Foundation in Brisbane says, “The cabinet is important because we use it not only to warm up blankets, but also to warm up heat packs. The heat packs are used to warm up patient’s veins before they insert a cannula or IV. The heat warms the veins, making them more prominent and ensures that staff won’t miss the vein they are targeting, which in turn, makes it more comfortable and painless for the patient.”
Similar popular purchases include ice machines, coffee machines, and vending machines for oncology wards and waiting areas. It’s relatively small things like these that can...