Christchurch Hospital used Dry July funds to install beautiful murals and ceiling pictures of New Zealand scenery in the Radiotherapy Department.

CDHB Radiation Therapist Laura Ross is a big fan: “The murals cover the walls leading into the treatment rooms and the ceiling pictures are placed for patients to look at while lying on the beds. In the Planning CT Scanning Room, we have a lovely picture of Hokitika Gorge on our ceiling. As the first place in the Radiotherapy Department that patients visit, they can be quite anxious and nervous. In a room full of large machines and medical equipment, it is so nice to have a tranquil picture for patients to look at. 

Whether the patients try to guess where the scene is, reminisce about a time they were there or comment on how beautiful the colour of the water is, our Hokitika ceiling picture is something patients always notice and talk about. These images really brighten up the Radiotherapy Department and have been a wonderful addition for the patients. 

I am so grateful for the Dry July Campaign for providing these comforting images for patients. Thank you Dry July!”

Funds allocated to Northland DHB from Dry July 2014 were used to purchase three new oncology treatment chairs at The Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre, opened in September 2014.

Pictured are Oncologists Lisa Dawson (left) and Vince Newton with the new chairs.

These new chairs will make cancer patients receiving their treatment at the hospital a little more comfortable.

Auckland DHB used Dry July 2014 to implement a number of projects to help patients feel more comfortable, including:

- Variable height seating - some patients find it difficult to get in and out of normal height chairs. Having some higher chairs assists with this issue.

- Hi flex tables - higher tables to go with higher chairs, these allow patients to distract themselves whilst having chemotherapy as they will have a surface they can use for laptops, books, drinks etc.

- Humidifiers - these provide increased patient comfort by keeping the mucus membrane moist for head and neck patients undergoing radiation therapy. When the membrane dries out, patients find it difficult to eat and drink and are often admitted to hospital as a result.

- Electric examination beds - beds that can be lowered to allow patients to get on the bed much easier have replaced static beds.

The WBCC is using Dry July funds towards a number of much needed refurbishments, including:

Level 2 and 3 waiting areas - the current space has insufficient and inappropriate soft furnishings for patient privacy and comfort. The environment will be made to be more welcoming, less clinical and have both entertainment and relaxation facilities available.

Multi-purpose room renovation ward 5 North - used for family meetings to hold difficult discussions in a private space, facilities will be made to move a patient bed into the room, which is big enough accommodate a large whanau. The renovation will include new soft furnishings, paint, shelving, plants, appropriate art work, and blinds. 

Renovation of day room on ward 5 North - renovation will include the kitchenette, computer space, children’s area, curtains, blinds, and soft furnishings, painting, and a music system.

Dry July funds have gone towards the fit-out and furnishing of the new Northern Region Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in Auckland. 

This is a purpose-built facility that will promote wellness and provide an outstanding environment for patients. It has been co-designed with patients and families, with features aimed at improving the quality of care and healing process for patients. 

Dry July helped to fund projects such as the installation of wall murals to brighten up wards, the purchase of TV’s and carer beds for patient rooms, and a “Dry July” room - a welcoming space for patients and families to spend time while receiving treatment.

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