Good news stories about health are few and far between but thanks to the efforts of the local cancer support group Narromine can boast a positive one.
Beginning in early October and due to be up and running early next year will be a second palliative care room at Narromine Hospital. The new facility builds on the work the Narromine Cancer Support Group (NCSG) has already done at the hospital including the Garden Repose and the renovation of another palliative care room called the Garden Room.
“It’s been a big chore to get it to fruition,” NCSG president Neville Roberts said.
“It has been designed with multipurposes in mind - for family set-ups right up to palliative care and everything in between.
“I feel that these improvements have only been entered into because of the willingness of local community to self-help and that of GWAHS to work with such groups.”
Room 12 was previously for palliative care, however, it had become dilapidated, dark and dingy. But thanks to an agreement with GWAHS (Greater Western Area Health Service) the room will have added light and a wide view of the garden.
The charity came to an agreement with Greater Western about 15 months ago for the renovations but according to Mr Roberts the project had been put on hold due to problems at GWAHS. It was finally given the green light after GWAHS CEO Danny O’Connor visited with local people and gave the go-ahead.
NCSG is supplying the materials for the renovations by money raised in the community, while GWAHS has come to the table with the workmen to carry out the project.
“In the meantime staff, other members of the community, the Royal Razors and business houses were also raising money to help fit out this well-overdue improvement,” Mr Roberts said.
An example of the community’s generosity was the charity afternoon held at the Andonbel Alpaca Coffee Shop recently. Owners Kim and Lindsay Edmunds teamed up with band Crossing Genres, whose front man Bill Amos’ wife Debbie works at the hospital, to put on an event to raise funds for a lifter. Mrs Edmunds and Mrs Amos presented a cheque worth more than $1100 to area health manager Ann Chad which, along with other staff fundraisers, will go towards purchasing a $6000 lifter with the remaining balance to be meet by NCSG.
“We really appreciate Kim and Lindsay holding their charity afternoon and I am sure many patients in the future will appreciate it as well,” Mrs Chad said.
“We really appreciate community support for the extra comforts.”
The renovation of the palliative care room is a major project for the NCSG and a highly visible one, however, most of the group’s work is done anonymously and without fanfare.
“NCSG are continuing to help cancer patients both with moral support and financial help with travel and accommodation for those that need to seek further medical advice away from the local area,” Mr Roberts said.
“Any help that is given is only between the patient and the executive of the NCSG.
“Above all we respect the right of privacy to those in need.”
This year the charity has already financially helped 24 people in confidence and Mr Roberts urged patients or their friends or families to make contact with the group if any assistance was needed.
Contact Narromine Cancer Support Group on 6889 2310.
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