News

Noosa Hospital brings community care to breast cancer patients

May 18, 2021

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Noosa Hospital has joined forces with local businesses to create a ‘care pack’ for women needing surgery for breast cancer.

The ‘community care packs’ were designed to provide women with important brochures and information they need following their cancer diagnosis.

However Noosa Hospital breast cancer nurses Jean Kelly and Mel Diggle wanted to make them special for the ladies, and decided to reach out to local business to help personalise the packs.

“We call these our ‘community care packs’ and they really are just that because the local businesses who’ve come on board have donated some lovely products. For the ladies who receive them, it’s just knowing that there are people out there they don’t even know, who are thinking of them and caring about them at this difficult time,” Ms Kelly said.

The generous items donated to the program include:

• Jute bags, a thermos and pen from Dr Felicity Adams,
• Organic deodorant and lip balm from Noosa Basics,
• Travel size body lotion from Saya,
• Handmade cards from Banana Leaf Cards,
• Sunscreen, pens and brochures from Genesis Care Buderim,
• Hand knitted beanies from a ladies’ group in Gympie,
• Sensitive hand sanitiser and jelly beans from Ramsay Pharmacy.

“It’s just so nice when we go and visit the ladies after their procedure and they’ve already popped the lip balm into their handbags or they’re munching on some jellybeans. They’re just lovely items that we can pop into the bag and it gives us the opportunity to give them information in there that they can read down the track when they’re ready,” Ms Kelly said.

The Community Care Packs can be further personalised for patients depending on their diagnosis - for example Zonta has also donated satin pillows for ladies to pop under their arms and little bags have also been gifted for women who need to go home with drainage.

Noosa Hospital Chief Executive Officer Justin Greenwell said he was thrilled to hear the wonderful feedback from women who’ve received the Community Care Packs.

“Our philosophy of people caring for people is behind everything that we do and it’s so heartwarming to know that these packs have already helped more than 20 women diagnosed with breast cancer in our local community,” Mr Greenwell said.

“Thank you to all the local business who helped Jean and Mel make this happen.”