How We Help
When you're diagnosed with cancer, it's hard to find the time or energy to think about anything other than treating the cancer. Dry July raises money to ease that burden, reduce stress and add a bit of comfort for those affected by cancer.
Everything we fund is to benefit the cancer patient and their families and carers. We aim to make a difficult time, a little easier for those affected by cancer.
Projects at Dunedin Hospital
Southern Blood and Cancer Service will use funds raised by Dry July to create a more family friendly space in the whanau/family room for palliative patients, or for when there are large families caring for their loved ones. Furnishings to be purchased include couches (pull out for family to stay over), trestle table for family meals/celebrations, TV, installation of TV, painting of room, artworks, etc.
Funds will also go towards updating the patient waiting room in Oncology Haematology, by purchasing, for example, new comfortable seating, water filter, TV and electronic system to play either music or DVDs or treatment related information, new painting on the walls, artworks, or privacy screens.
UPDATE: The whanau / family room...
Chair Beds for Carers
Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre knows that catering for patients’ relatives is important, as many relatives feel they need to stay with their loved one at the hospital even over night and for several days at a time.
The centre is using some funds from Dry July 2013 to purchase chairs that turn into beds for carers and relatives of cancer and haematology patients staying on Ward 5 North.
The need to stay close can stem from cultural or religious beliefs, as well as reflect the close knit nature of families during challenging times. It can make a world of difference to patients knowing their loved ones are close by.
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New Patient Televisions at Auckland City Hospital
Auckland City Hospital installed new televisions including 29 flat screen televisions for patient beds, which all have access to Freeview, as well as 16 smart televisions, which have the ability to connect with devices such as iPads and iPhones. These will allow patients to watch what they want whilst in hospital receiving treatment, and were a much needed upgrade for patient care and entertainment which couldn’t be afforded previously.