4 | GPH News
A new level of cancer care at
Greenslopes Private Hospital
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, the program has provided support
and advice to more than 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,” Ms Lucas said.
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,”
Ms Lucas said.
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.”
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 to important
information.