Always look on the bright side of life

Diane Barnett’s outlook on life seemed as bright as the colour scheme of the room in which she sat at the new Bendigo Hospital.

The Bendigo woman described the cancer, for which she had been receiving treatment, as terminal. 

But she was upbeat and determined as she sat in one of the chemotherapy chairs in the new cancer centre.

Diane said she was pleased with how well she was doing and how positive she had been despite the most grave of circumstances.

It had seemed she would not make it to her next birthday, let alone the opening of the new hospital, little over a year ago.

“I wasn’t going anywhere – I wasn’t ready,” Diane said. 

She credited the staff at Bendigo Health with boosting her mood and helping her stay optimistic throughout her treatment. 

“I know it sounds strange, but you look forward to coming,” Diane said. 

“I’ve never seen a nurse with a sad or sorry look on their face.

“They’re always smiling, they joke with you and that helps, you have no idea.”

As one of the first patients at the new hospital, the same day it opened to the public, Diane’s appointment coincided with a visit from Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards.

Ms Edwards, whose late husband Lindsay died of brain cancer, was emotional about the facility. 

“While we don’t want anyone to be diagnosed with cancer, if you have to have cancer treatment you have the most amazing place to be treated now,” she said.

“Think about the number of families and patients who have had to endure travel to Melbourne for their cancer treatment in the past who won’t have to do that anymore.

“It must be such an overwhelming relief to know you don’t have to leave your home… don’t have to leave your family… don’t have to be isolated in Melbourne.”

She shared Diane’s appreciation for the staff and their influence on a patient’s mindset.

“They have such great attitudes and it’s reflected in the patients’ attitudes,” Ms Edwards said. 

Praise was also directed at Diane herself, who was making the most of every day.

“It’s just an incredible testimony to people’s strength when they are diagnosed with cancer… they have the most amazing attitude to life,” Ms Edwards said.

The new cancer centre has capacity for 26 chemotherapy chairs, more than double those of the previous site.

Bendigo hospital opened with 15 chairs, an increase from 12. 

New medical imaging equipment at the hospital is expected to further reduce the need to travel to Melbourne.