Hospital waiting rooms can be cold and clinical, which is why the Illawarra Cancer Care Centre is working to brighten things up thanks to funds raised through Dry July.
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A designer has been enlisted to help give the centre, based at Wollongong Hospital, a makeover – to make patients’ cancer journeys just a little easier.
“We’ve done a lot of research into what we can do to reinvigorate our space, to make it more warm and welcoming,” Alexis Gazzard, divisional support officer for cancer services, said.
“Now we’re working with a designer to bring our vision to life – we’ll start at the heart of our facility, the main reception area, and then stage works throughout the waiting areas and treatment rooms.
“Works will include refurbishment as well as the installation of softer lighting and more ‘cafe-style’ waiting areas. For instance we want to replace rows of plastic chairs which can be quite impersonal, with cluster seating for families and communal tables to get people talking, and supporting each other.”
The work is being made possible thanks to last year’s Dry July initiative – when almost $60,000 was raised for the centre. The Dry July Foundation also awarded the centre an additional $28,000 grant for the works.
“For several years the Illawarra Cancer Care Centre has been a beneficiary of Dry July; a great initiative which focuses on funding projects that improve patient experiences,” Ms Gazzard said.
“Each year we speak to patients and families about what resources, projects and equipment would make their journeys more comfortable.
“So we’ve funded things like music therapy and digital skylights for patients undergoing radiotherapy; calming colouring-in packs for chemotherapy patients and creativity packs for children accompanying parents to appointments.”
Money raised through the 2018 Dry July initiative will also fund a patient and carer tai chi program, and Living Well After Treatment workshops.
Since 2008, Dry July has inspired more than 130,000 Aussies to give up alcohol – or other vices – for the month. In the process they’ve raised $30 million for people affected by cancer, and funded projects at more than 75 cancer organisations across Australia.
To donate, or to join the Illawarra Cancer Care team, visit www.dryjuly.com/beneficiaries/wollongonghospital
