For people living in regional and remote areas, the challenges of a cancer diagnosis are often amplified.
In addition to the emotional stress, fear and overwhelm that comes with cancer, those living far from major cities face the added burden of long travel times, extra costs and being away from home, work, school and their support networks.
Vicki Jellie understands this experience all too well. In 2008, her husband Peter was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. Like many cancer patients in regional Victoria, he had to travel long distances for vital radiotherapy treatment. Over the course of his 20-week journey from diagnosis to sadly passing away at the age of 49, Peter spent 12 weeks away from home, separated from his family and support network.
In honour of Peter’s wish to bring radiotherapy closer to home, Vicki and her family established Peter’s Project. Initially a lobbying group, the charity worked with both state and federal governments to highlight the need for improved cancer services in South West Victoria. They advocated for better access to radiotherapy treatment for people in regional areas, aiming to ensure the community had access to the same level of health care as their metropolitan counterparts.
A formal board and working committee were set up to lead the charge. Once the need for better cancer care was clear the community rallied together to support the cause, and the centre officially opened in July 2016.
“We have been very pleased to support St John of God Warrnambool Hospital with various cancer related equipment and services over the past 10 years,” Vicki said.
“Many patients from a wide expanse of the Warrnambool region benefit from these contributions we have been able to make, which results in great health and wellbeing benefits to many for generations to come.”
In the past year alone, Peter’s Project has funded several key initiatives at St John of God Warrnambool Hospital, including:
- critical medical equipment for oncology and palliative care services
- a tissue/vessel sealing unit for endoscopy
- a nerve monitoring device for ear, nose, and throat surgery
- a specialised patient bed with a pressure-relieving mattress for palliative care
- support person pull-out beds for palliative care rooms.
Laura Levett, Nurse Unit Manager of Day Oncology at St John of God Warrnambool Hospital, highlighted the profound impact Peter’s Project has had on regional patients and their families.
“The equipment we’ve received ensures we can provide the best possible care to our patients, with the most current equipment,” she said.
“This not only helps patients recover more quickly but also means they can undergo procedures locally, rather than travelling to metropolitan hospitals.”