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Home Away From Home For Cancer Patients And Their Families

13 July 2016

Patients and loved ones touched by blood cancer will benefit from a home away from home with the Leukaemia Foundation’s new Victorian Patient Accommodation Centre now open.

Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy, today officially opened the $9 million accommodation complex in North Melbourne that will provide a temporary home for blood cancer patients and their families.

The Andrews Labor Government has provided $500,000 to help make the Centre possible, along with the generosity of donors and fundraising campaigns.

The centre has been designed to provide a clean, safe and home-like environment with 15 furnished and specially modified private family apartments and a support services centre with specialised health professionals.

It also features an education and resources centre, a counselling room, a patient transport hub and a community space and courtyard for patients and families to meet, relax, meditate and exercise.

The Centre is located near many of Victoria’s leading treatment centres and just across the road from the new Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), making it convenient for patients and families having to relocate from regional and rural Victoria and Tasmania for treatment.

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre patients and staff last month moved into the $1 billion VCCC that will drive future innovations in cancer research, treatment, education and care.

Blood cancers affect thousands of Victorians every year, and through the work of the Leukaemia Foundation, we have seen many improvements in diagnosis and treatment over many years that are changing lives.

Caring for patients involves a lot more than just diagnosis and treatment.

It’s the patient’s experience, emotional and practical support they receive during treatment that can be crucial to their recovery and general wellbeing, and that’s why this new Centre will be invaluable to so many families.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy

“Having to relocate your family during such a challenging time can add extra stress to an already stressful situation – and that’s the last thing we want for families battling cancer.”

“This wonderful new Centre will be a much needed sanctuary and place of hope and support for Victorians touched by blood cancer.”

“The Leukaemia Foundation works tirelessly with families, communities and cancer experts to make a real difference in people’s lives, and we’re delighted to support them in this critical work.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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