News

A New Level of Cancer Care at Greenslopes Private Hospital

Aug 05, 2019

The Cancer Wellness Program at Greenslopes Private Hospital has continued to grow rapidly since it was funded and launched by the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF) in 2017. Over the past 12 months alone, the program provided support and advice to over 460 patients, their carers’ and support networks.

Program Coordinator Amanda Lucas facilitates a range of seminars and activities which complement the hospitals existing oncology departments with a holistic approach to cancer care to optimise patients health and wellbeing during their cancer journey.

“We have focused primarily on monthly education sessions which provide our patients and their carers’ with practical tools and emotional support to assist in managing their cancer treatment and mental wellbeing,” Amanda says.

The program covers a variety of topics relevant to patients undergoing cancer treatment, such as;

• Finance, superannuation and legal services
• Exercise and nutrition
• Survivorship
• Stress Management, essential oils, mental health self-care
• Journaling and yoga
• Caring for carers

“Many want to learn about the traditional, ancient and practical therapies out there, but in the safety of a hospital setting, knowing the presenters we find are trained and professional,” Amanda says.

The feedback from the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with patients feeling empowered in navigating cancer treatment, and supported by health professionals and a community of fellow cancer patients.

The growth and success of the program has prompted GMRF, together with Greenslopes Private Hospital, to look to the future and plan for an expanded program with the capacity to support even more patients and families.

“The first two years of this program have been a great success. However, we are still not getting to everyone on the program; more can be done to support the patients, their families and carers. The Cancer Wellness Program has the potential to develop into a flagship program that other centres can look to,” Amanda says.

Plans for expansion include more regular seminars and activities such as craft and yoga as well as an online platform for patients and their support networks to access important information.

To find out more about the GPH Cancer Wellness Program, or to make a donation to help expand the program, visit: http://bit.ly/GMRF-CancerWellness

Left to Right: Cancer Wellness Program Coordinator Amanda, cancer patient Kim and nurse Jenni having fun practicing their yoga poses