Joy Bell celebrates oncology patients’ journeys

Patients at East Grampians Health Service’s Oncology Unit can now celebrate significant milestones by ringing the ‘Joy Bell’.

The initiative was patient-lead, with patients requesting whether a bell could be installed in the Oncology Unit to celebrate milestones.

Associate Nurse Unit Manager Leesa McInnes said a bell is often rung by patients at the end of treatment in oncology clinics across Australia and the world.

“However, it was felt that for some patients where treatment is ongoing, the bell could be used to celebrate any milestone they achieve, such as receiving positive scans, being well for 12 months, as well as ringing the bell at the end of treatment,” she said.

Ms McInnes searched high and low for the right bell and finally found one suitable for the Oncology Unit.

“The bell features a ship’s wheel, which I felt represented the journey that patients are on throughout their treatment,” she said.

The bell has been installed outside the main treatment area to provide a private area for patients to celebrate their milestones.

The Oncology Unit provides both oncology and haematology treatments and treats both public and private patients.

Visiting Oncologist Dr Craig Carden consults at EGHS on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, while Visiting Haematologist Dr Pohan Lukito consults on the first, second and third Wednesday of the month. 

An infusion clinic is also run every second Thursday for people requiring medical infusions for conditions other than cancer. 

The department is staffed by experienced specialist trained oncology nurses and there is also a Breast Care Nurse available to support patients.

“We are fortunate to have an Oncology Unit in Ararat, as it allows people to be treated closer to home and be better supported by their family, friends and community,” Ms McInnes said.

“It also removes many of the stresses and costs involved with travelling, accommodation and parking.”

For further information on Oncology services offered at EGHS, please call the Manager of Inpatient Unit and Oncology, Kate Pitcher, on 5352 9415.