Quiet Room for Waitemata Patients
Waitemata DHB is using funds from Dry July to create a private, quiet space where patients and their family/whanau can go for a conversation often about receiving bad news related to a cancer diagnosis.
The DHB has received feedback that often a cancer diagnosis is made in four bedded rooms where there is a lack of privacy due not having dedicated spaces in the hospital for these types of conversations. The quiet room will offer a space for this. It will be appropriately furnished and be family focussed. It will be housed in a part of the hospital dedicated to relieving suffering and where spiritual support is available if needed. Patients will have the option to stay in the room with their family/whanau as necessary.
Local Artwork for Northland DHB’s Cancer Centre
Northland DHB is using Dry July donations to purchase art work for their new cancer centre waiting area, as feedback from patients/whanau has been that the building is too clinical and has no colour to brighten it up. NDHB is working with the KohuKohu Village Arts Trust to engage local artists to submit art work in regards to cancer experiences/journeys.
Upgrading the Waiting Area at Middlemore Hospital
Feedback from patients who frequent the current cancer waiting area at Middlemore Hospital is that it could be improved to be less sterile and more engaging. Counties Manukau DHB intends to upgrade furniture and create a more welcoming environment in this area using Dry July funds. CMDHB will also create and distribute new cancer patient information material to be available in this area.
New Chemotherapy Chairs for Auckland Patients
Auckland District Health Board is using funding from Dry July 2014 to replace 15 therapy chairs with adjustable bionic therapy chairs. These chairs will allow patients to be put into emergency position should they become unwell during treatment.
Funds are also going towards 20 new waiting room chairs and 2 lounges for Acute Oncology and iPads for medical oncology patients to use during treatment.
Patient / Family / Whanuau Meeting Room at Auckland City Hospital
Dry July funding is being used to convert an existing back office on Ward 64 of Auckland City Hospital into a dedicated patient/family/whanuau meeting room to promote respect and privacy for the patient/family/whanau. This will facilitate the private delivery of bad news and difficult conversations, especially for those in 4-bedded room, as well as dissuade “corridor conversations” between health care professionals and patient/family/whanau.
