COMMUNITY NEWS
14 The Ramsay Way 2018 | 01
CANCER
WELLNESS
PROGRAM offers
extra help
Greenslopes Private Hospital has successfully
delivered the first year of its Cancer Wellness
Program, which is funded by the Gallipoli Medical
Research Foundation.
The hospital launched the program with free monthly
education sessions to current cancer patients, their carers
and support network.
The Cancer Wellness Program is designed to offer practical
help, emotional assistance and other tools to optimise
patients’ wellbeing and ensure a smoother pathway to a
better future.
It identifies specific needs and facilitates services including
counselling, dietary advice, art therapy and exercise
techniques.
At the hospital’s most recent session, former soldier and
partial paraplegic Mark Urquhart shared his personal story,
life lessons, and motivations with patients and carers who
attended. This included details about how he overcame near-death
paratrooper drops, addiction, and family tragedy to
become Australia’s first para-bobsledder.
Another guest speaker, author Lois Thompson, shared her
experiences with cancer. The former social worker and
cancer patient said she believes her family’s journey with
cancer, death and grief further developed her professional
knowledge and ability to support others jumping these
‘hurdles on the track of life’.
The monthly sessions run for 2.5 hours and usually consist of
two guest speakers and a patient who shares their personal
story.
The Cancer Wellness Coordinator is currently planning 12
more sessions for 2018.
Lungs of Light
A powerful solar light display was set up in Brisbane
during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which featured
about 300 solar lights arranged in the shape of lungs.
Greenslopes Private Hospital nurse Jo Silva developed the
“Lungs of Light” idea after her 45-year-old husband passed
away at the hospital in May 2017 following a 6 year battle with
the disease.
Jay Silva was a non-smoker who developed a rare form of lung
cancer. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 ALK+ lung cancer after
experiencing only minor symptoms for about a year.
Ms Silva’s inaugural “Lungs of Light” solar display was
included in the Brisbane: Shine a Light on Lung Cancer
community event (run by the Lung Foundation Australia).
Almost 200 people attended the gathering; approximately
one fifth of supporters were staff from Greenslopes Private
Hospital.
“My intention was that people were individually represented
in the solar lights; each one was a dedication to a particular
person. When someone made a donation they could dedicate
a light in memory of a loved one or in support of someone
who’s currently affected,” said Ms Silva.
Organisers hope “Lungs of Light” will soon become a national
event.
Hollywood helps educate teachers about eating disorders
As part of Hollywood Private Hospital’s recognition
of Mental Health Week, Hollywood Mental Health
Nurse Rebecca Godin and Hollywood Dietitian
Fiona Salter spoke to teachers at Methodist
Ladies’ College about eating disorders and how
the condition can be addressed in the school
environment.
The discussion was tailored specifically to the interests of
teachers, focusing on the signs and symptoms of eating
disorders and what teachers can do to support students and
their families.
Ms Godin, who also coordinates the Eating Disorder Inpatient
Treatment Program at The Hollywood Clinic, the only private
mental health facility in Western Australia with an inpatient
eating disorder program, also outlined services available to
individuals affected by the condition.
Commenting on the event, Ms Godin said “Teachers
are often the first people to recognise their students are
experiencing issues related to food. Because of this, it’s
essential they’re equipped with the appropriate knowledge
and tools to address eating disorders in the most effective
manner possible.”
The Hollywood Clinic offers a variety of treatment programs
to help patients over the age of 16 manage and overcome
eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa
and binge eating. The Clinic’s programs ensure patients and
their families are provided with comprehensive care specific
to their needs.
Hollywood Director of Clinical Services, Karen Gullick,
said “As a leading provider of mental health services,
it’s important for us to partner with organisations in the
community and share our knowledge.”
“By raising awareness about eating disorders and the care
available, we hope more members of the community will
feel comfortable asking for and receiving the help they
require, not only for themselves, but also for their friends and
families.”
Cancer Wellness Program Coordinator Ranee Saffioti, guest
speaker Mark Urquhart & guest speaker Lois Thompson.
Hollywood Mental Health Nurse, Rebecca Godin; MLC
Coordinator of Wellbeing, Dr Katherine Russell-Smith; &
Hollywood Dietician, Fiona Salter