For more information call Sue on 4625 6428 or Rebecca on 0439 702 501

How the funds are used...

Paediatric Ambulatory Care Service — Campbelltown Hospital

In 2007, the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur put on record it's intention to seek to increase the capacity of our local hospital to treat children with cancer. We felt this was necessary, in order to match the world class cancer services now available for adults.

We are delighted to report that we have come a long way towards achieving this goal. We quote from a letter written by Professor Glenn Marshall, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick. In part, Professor Marshall said:

"While the number of children diagnosed with cancer being treated at Campbelltown Hospital are small in number, they required large amounts of resources.

This is because the cure rate for these children has climbed dramatically so that now 80% of children diagnosed with cancer will be cured of their disease. Unfortunately, the treatment, which includes chemotherapy and sometimes surgery and radiation therapy, is long and ardous for the child and their families.

It involves specialty nursing care, and in this regard, the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Services (PACS) provided by the Department of Paediatrics at the Campbelltown Hospital is a shining example of how this sort of care can be delivered in the community. We would strongly support your efforts to raise money to train nursing staff and to refurbish and fit out an oncology room in the PACS centre."

In light of this high level support, the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur Committee has approved the expenditure for the training of the specialist nursing staff identified by Professor Marshall as crucial to our goal of treating more children with cancer locally. Our hope is that we can help reduce some of the travel and financial burden on families at this difficult time.  

Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre at Campbelltown Hospital
 
The Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre at Campbelltown Hospital is able to provide the ‘extras’ not available in other cancer centres with funds donated by the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur.
 
Significant amounts of ‘state of the art’ medical equipment and reference materials have been purchased. Another great example of innovative and practical use of this funding is the production of an award winning DVD. This take-home educational resource was filmed in the Centre and explains many aspects of the treatment ahead for patients and their families.

Also, a brand new 12 seater, fully wheelchair accessible bus has been provided to transport patients from Camden and Campbelltown suburbs to and from their chemotherapy treatments and radiation sessions. Music and art therapy is also available.

Palliative Care 
 
The Palliative Care Unit at Camden Hospital is a ten bed facility. The unit also operates an extensive outreach service across the Macarthur area.

Funding from the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur has provided extensive amounts of medical equipment, patient, family and staff reference material and specialised beds, mattresses, cushions and pain medication delivery devices.