The first consultation at the University of Canberra Cancer Wellness Clinic will now be free for the Canberra community, thanks to the generous donation of the Capital Chemist Group.
Committing to three years of funding, the group will donate $15,000 per annum, waiving the initial consultation cost for up to 250 patients each year.
The consult, available to cancer patients at any stage after diagnosis, is the first step in developing a holistic allied health treatment plan aimed at mitigating treatment-related side effects.
“Being able to offer the first consultation free is an incentive to get more people through the doors of the clinic, and started on a supportive care plan that can really make a difference,” said Exercise Physiology Clinical Supervisor Melanie Moore.
“We know now, more than ever, that healthcare affordability is a challenge, so being able to help support patients with a donation of this magnitude is incredible.”
Samantha Kourtis, Pharmacist and owner of Capital Chemist Charnwood said she was proud to be supporting the clinic, that offered unique and effective treatment to cancer patients.
“As community pharmacists, we feel the heartbeat of our community, we experience it every day – everyone has been touched by cancer,” she said.
“We see many patients during and after cancer treatment, and we see the challenges and struggles they face, so helping to fund a program that offers nutrition, exercise and mental health support is so important.”
Cassandra Bennett, 42, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018, and recently had her sponsored first consult at the UC Cancer Wellness Clinic
Staff took her full medical history, tested her physiological and cognitive function, and will now tailor a treatment plan for her.
She said being able to access this type of service was essential for cancer patients, in order for them to take control of their health.
“When you receive a diagnosis like this, you feel like your treatment really seems like it’s out of your control,” she said.
“This type of wellness plan can help patients take back some ownership of their treatment, and that is a key element of survivorship.”
