Life has been easier for Peel region cancer patients with the introduced transport service to Perth hospitals, according to the Cancer Council.
Peel region residents have a two-hour round trip to Fiona Stanley Hospital – a long run for people undergoing cancer treatment.
Cancer Council volunteer driver Fiona Paterson says the organisation’s Transport to Treatment service was minimising the stress of travelling to and from treatment.
“It is just another worry ticked off for them,” she said.
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“They don’t have to think about how they are going to get there or find parking at the hospital.
“It is fantastic that we can actually get in there and drop patients off within a couple hundred metres of where they need to be.”
Cancer Council Support coordinator Melanie Taylor said the service had proven vital for some people in the region.
“The bus regularly runs at capacity so there is definitely a demand for it in the Peel and Rockingham regions,” Ms Taylor said.
“We know that people needing treatment may not always have family and friends available to drive them around and we are proud to be able to fill that gap.”
Ms Taylor said Cancer Council’s Support Centre in Greenfields provided a range of complementary therapies for people with cancer, which have proven to reduce anxiety levels.
“We also provide massage, reiki and reflexology at the centre for both patients and carers. These services are made possible by qualified volunteer therapists,” Ms Taylor said.
“Our touch-based therapies are guided by evidence based best practice and research.”
On Friday, Cancer Council WA will celebrate 25 years of their iconic fundraiser, Daffodil Day.
Money raised will enable Cancer Council WA to continue their vital cancer research, education and support services. Donate at www.daffodilday.com.au.
For more information about Cancer Council WA support services, contact 13 11 20.