SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE
LIVERPOOL HOSPITAL
CANCER THERAPY CENTRE

Support and Education

There are a range of group programs for patients carers and families members at held at Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre. This page briefly describes the groups available.

Dealing with Cancer is a five-week program, which has been developed for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. Staff at the Cancer Therapy Centre give information on the topics such as 'medical treatment of cancer', 'diet and nutrition', 'positive thinking' listed. Participants will more if they are able to attend all five sessions. The program runs 10 am - 12 noon over a 5-week period, on Thursdays. In 2000 we plan to run the program in March, June and October/November. Due to the high demand bookings are essential. Please contact: Gerald Au, Clinical Psychologist or Alison Pryor, Social Worker. Ph +61 2 9828 5180 for further information or to put your name down for one of the programs.

A weekly support group meets every Tuesday morning between 10.30 and 12 noon. This is an open group where people are able to meet and have a cup of tea and talk with other patients and one of our social workers. It is open to both patients and families, there is no requirement to book in, so feel welcome to drop-in any Tuesday. The meeting is held in the Conference Room, which is of the main corridor in CTC. Contact Teresa Simpson Social Worker. Ph +61 2 9828 5180

The program is run Mondays 10.00 am to 12.00 noon the Education Centre, Liverpool Hospital. The group is run as part of the CTC Breast Cancer Clinic. The program focuses on an education topics with a guest speaker. Each session also includes informal time for women with breast cancer to meet other women dealing with the same illness. Breast Cancer Groups also run at Westmead Hospital, the Parramatta office of the Cancer Council, and Campbelltown Hospital. For further information speak to the Alison Pryor, social worker or Debby Couldridge Breast Support Nurse on Ph +61 2 9828 5180 or pick up a flyer in the Resource Centre.

The Laryngectomee Group meets monthly. The group provides an ideal environment for layngectomees (people who have had a voice removed) and their family or carers, within the local area to come together. It is an opportunity to gather information, support, practice speech techniques, and access health professionals and speech aides in a friendly and social environment.
The group meets on the last Wednesday of the month at 10 am in the Education Centre, Liverpool Hospital. Contact Nicola Belcastro, Speech Pathologist. Cancer Therapy Centre. Ph +61 2 98284852.

Liverpool Hospital Haematology Group meets monthly. It is for patients with conditions such as Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma and their family and or carers. There is usually a different topic each month sometimes with a guest expert speaker. The group meets mostly on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10am to 12 am. You will need to check the Education Group calendar for exact dates, pick up a flyer in the resource centre, or contact Health Aldis Haematology Social Worker , phone +61 2 98284500.

After meeting for the first time in 1999. The group will meet for a couple of ½ day education seminars in 2000. The group is an opportunity for men with prostate cancer, and their partners to learn about different aspects of the illness and ways they can deal with the impact of diagnosis and treatment. The seminars will have several guest speakers and time for discussion. The group is a joint project between patients who have survived prostate cancer and the social workers at CTC. Some of participants from the program last year have been come active in local health promotion activities encouraging men with prostate symptoms to get early medical attention. Contact Alison Pryor, Social Worker. Ph +61 2 9828 5180

A half day workshop physical appearance changes that can occur due to cancer treatment that can effect you confidence. The workshop covers wigs, turbans and other ways of dealing with hair loss, as well as make-up and skin care. The workshop is conducted at the CTC 5 times a year details of the next available workshop and booking forms can be obtained from the nurses or social workers.

This session is to provide information on all aspects of Radiotherapy treatment, particularly for patients about begin treatment or their family members. The session also includes self care and relaxation skills. The session is conducted at different times each week as many patients to attend as possible. It is hoped the information you will gain from the session will give you a better understanding of the treatment you about to commence.

The memorial service is conducted by their palliative care and social work staff of the cancer therapy centre with assistance from the community bereavement counsellor. Invitations are sent to all families who have The non-religious service runs for about 40 minutes followed by supper is held twice a year in April and October in the conference room of the Hospital Education Centre.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 8 July 2003