Wellness centre eases cancer burden

Patients and their families affected by cancer will now receive additional support with a new cancer wellness centre opened at Flinders on World Cancer Day.

The centre, located on the ground floor of the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, is the focal point of a new cancer wellness program that will help ease the burden of cancer and address many of the unmet needs of patients and their families during and after cancer treatment – many of which can be lifelong.

This extra support focuses on a range of physical, educational, emotional and practical impacts which cancer can often have, including fatigue, anxiety, dietary, financial and employment concerns among others. The centre will also be a valuable conduit in connecting patients and carers with support groups and other services in the community.

Flinders Foundation, the official charity of the Flinders Medical Centre, raised the $500,000 needed to fit out the centre thanks to the incredible generosity of individuals, corporate businesses and fundraisers in the community.

The centre will provide greater support for the wide-ranging effects of cancer for more than 2,500 people who are diagnosed with cancer at Flinders each year, and 30,000 patients and families who regularly visit the centre for treatments and appointments.

A range of services will initially be offered to address the unmet needs of people affected by cancer and services will continue to grow, including:

  • health information library and books
  • access to a Cancer Council SA Outreach Nurse and a range of Cancer Council Services
  • online programs to improve physical and mental wellbeing
  • public seminars and information sessions from health professionals
  • exercise and physical activity services
  • arts in Health services including art and music therapies
  • support from the FMC Volunteer Service and Cancer Council Volunteers
  • large meeting spaces for a range of cancer support groups
  • spiritual care support
  • other therapeutic activities that promote wellness including meditation

The centre also features quiet spaces, comfortable seating, complimentary tea and coffee, computers and charging stations, board games and puzzles.

An open day last Tuesday launched the centre to the public.

Find out more or view program of events.

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