New Aquarium lifts Cancer Patients Spirits

The Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre waiting room is now home to some beautiful resident fish in a new aquarium thanks to the Northland Foundation.

In November last year the centre completed the 15 Steps Challenge, a tool used to help staff and patients to work together to identify improvements that can enhance the patient experience.

One of the recommendations from the Challenge was the need to make the waiting room more 'homely'.

“Walking through the door you are clearly entering a clinic, you can see how the clinic was supported, the different companies and many individuals that donated to make the Centre possible.” noted Dee Telfer, clinical nurse manager.

“But it was felt that the waiting areas could be a bit more homely with things like plants or an aquarium, to take patients minds away from why they are here.”

After discussing ideas with patients and their families the Centre applied to the Northland Foundation to fund the hiring of an aquarium, which arrived yesterday.

Patients have been joking all day about how they can now bring their fishing rods in to help pass the time, the new addition has really lifted their spirits.

“There are smiles all round, plenty of joking going on and a genuine appreciation for suggestions being heard and acted on.”

Northland Foundation takes care of Northland DHB’s charitable accounts and major fundraising. Through Health Fund Plus people can make donations and gifts to our Northland hospitals or services for the “optional extras” that are so important to patients and their families. If you would like to make a donation or find out more contact Ros Martin - ros@northlandfoundation.org.nz PO Box 10011, Te Mai, Whangarei 0143.

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