Cancer patients in aged care facilities are set to benefit from more equipment to manage pain relief thanks to a new donation to Nepean Hospital.
The Nepean Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support group, which includes Hawkesbury members, has donated more than $4300 to Nepean Hospital for the purchase of two Niki pumps, which deliver pain medication over a 24-hour period.
The pumps cost more than $2000 each but are effective for patients unable to swallow pain medication, or those who need a combination of medications.
“These pumps will be used for aged care facilities to support those patients,” transitional nurse practitioner in palliative care Rebecca Palmer said.
Prostate cancer kills 3200 men in Australia every year, and the Nepean Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support group provides support, advocacy, and awareness of prostate cancer for those living from Blacktown to Penrith, the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains.
President David Wilkinson said the group held barbecues at Bunnings as well as golf days to help raise money to assist community services associated with cancer support, and also received donations from local clubs including Penrith Gaels, Glenbrook Bowling Club and local Men’s Sheds.
Importantly, the group did not just focus on men diagnosed with prostate cancer, he said.
“A lot of the time it’s the wife or partner who is proactive in finding out about cancer support,” he said. “We like to keep partners involved, because prostate cancer affects both people and so do the after effects.”
Many men suffered depression following their diagnosis and treatment, however many were reluctant or did not know how to access support, according to the group’s promotions officer John Kemp.
“Our motive is ‘you are not alone’,” he said. “There can be 40 blokes in a room and one bloke thinks what he has is unique.
“But there are other guys travelling on the same train, in the same carriage. They just don’t realise it.”
The group can provide information, support people regarding treatments and outcomes, and also features specialist speakers at its meetings.
Group meetings present those diagnosed with prostate cancer to take part in an open discussion where experiences are shared and assistance offered, and all the latest information can be provided through the group’s library.
For more information on the Nepean Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group, call 1300 13 38 78.