Services

TRANSPORT

Illawarra Cancer Carers provides a transport service for cancer patients who need help getting to and from the Wollongong Cancer Care Centre for treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Cancer Care Centre staff refer patients to our Transport Co-ordinator who then organises a timeslot. The co-ordinator then contacts a volunteer driver who phones the patients to arrange a pickup time and date. A small fee is charged.

Drivers record their kilometres travelled and can claim a contribution from the ICC towards their fuel costs.

SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS

Our volunteers visit the Cancer Care Centre at Wollongong Hospital and also the Bulli Palliative Care Unit to help nursing staff by providing tea, coffee, and general comfort for patients. A short training session is arranged for these activities and we are always looking for more volunteers to help out to enable our group to provide ongoing support.

LYMPHOEDEMA

The ICC runs a fortnightly Lymphoedema clinic at Dapto’s Ribbonwood Centre staffed by up to six therapists from February to November each year.

Lymphoedema is a build up of lymph, which is part of the body’s immune and circulatory system. It can be classed as primary (hereditary), or secondary, following surgery or trauma to the body. It presents as swelling in the affected area. If left untreated, the condition can worsen and the area becomes tight, heavy, painful and immobile.

Lymphatic massage is used to relieve and maintain symptoms, but must be performed regularly to maintain function of the area by a qualified Lymphoedema Massage Therapist and the person being taught self-massage techniques.

MOBILITY SCOOTERS

ICC receives mobility scooters, wheelchairs, chair lifters and other equipment that are donated to Cancer Carers from patients or family members of a loved one who has passed away.

For a nominal fee patients can lease scooters that are fully functional and delivered by a group of volunteers.

Recently, i98FM Illawarra Convoy donated a small van that is used to transport wheelchairs and equipment to patients.

BUS EXCURSIONS

ICC has a 22 seater bus, kindly donated by i98FM Illawarra Convoy, which is used for special excursions for cancer patients, their families and other groups.

Details of proposed excursions and bookings are available by contacting:

0411 413 912 – Margaret

or

0407 647 604 – Grahame