Cancer focus on wellness
HOLISTIC: Bendigo Health Cancer Centre wellness program coordinator Jenna Sing. Picture: Supplied.
Growing up, Jenna Sing didn't want to become a nurse.
A trip to Bendigo Health's oncology ward in Year 12 changed her mind.
"My grandfather had cancer and I came with him when he had treatment.
"I saw the oncology ward and the nurses and it sparked my passion for oncology nursing," Ms Sing said.
Completing her graduate year in 2010, Ms Sing has been at Bendigo Health for her entire nursing career and this year, took on a new role.
Ms Sing is the coordinator of the Bendigo Health Cancer Centre Wellness Program, which launches in April.
The program is the first of its kind in Bendigo, with similar programs undertaken at the Olivia Newton John Cancer Centre and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Ms Sing said the notion of wellness is about caring for a patient holistically.
"Wellness means not just look after a patient's physical health, but their emotional, social, financial and spiritual health.
"The program looks at people not just as having a complex health condition, but how that condition impacts all of those other aspects of their lives," Ms Sing said.
A survey of oncology patients at Bendigo Health identified programs of interest, with patients most eager to participate in exercise, oncology massage, meditation and mindfulness.
The opt-in programs are best suited to outpatients, with some activities, such as the weekly walking group and oncology massage, requiring oncologist approval.
"We will be able to target most of our oncology patients, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy patients, with the program.
"I will use my experience as an oncology nurse to entice people to give it a go.
"I feel like once patients engage with the program, they'll realise its benefits," Ms Sing said.
Education sessions, pet therapy and a wig library will also be offered.
The wig library allows patients to explore a range of wigs and headwear to support them through their change in appearance associated with cancer treatment.
Most of the programs are offered free of charge, except for the beginner yoga sessions facilitated by Vitality Yoga on Hargreaves Street.
The wellness program relies solely on donations and year round fundraising by Bendigo Health.
"It will cost roughly $100,000 every year to make the program possible.
"Dry July and Hazledene's are two of our main donors," Ms Sing said.
To donate to the program, contact the Bendigo Health Foundation on 1300 243 000
For more information about the wellness program and its monthly schedule, contact 5454 8937, or email cancerwellness@bendigohealth.org.au