Home away from home thanks to Dry July

Due to access issues, distance and/or financial restraints, some patients from areas across regional and rural Victoria are admitted to the hospital for their treatment and care when clinically this is not required.  Stays of up to 30 days is not unusual but now thanks to the Dry July Foundation, The Alfred is now able to offer this patient group access to serviced apartments near the Hospital.

Jo Matchado, a social worker who supports patients and their families and carers is well placed to see the impact this program will have on our patients. 

“Most of our patients and families face financial hardship as the result of a cancer diagnosis and their ongoing treatment.  The new patient accommodation program provided by the Dry July Foundation can help provide them with some financial relief when it comes to accessing accommodation.  Giving them an opportunity to leave hospital and attend our outpatient clinic without having to worry about how they can afford it.  Most importantly it allows the patients to have a loved one or carer stay with them during their treatment.”

Philanthropy has always been an important part of The Alfred’s history and thanks to the generosity of many it remains a part of what makes this hospital extraordinary.  It is thanks to support from the community that we are able to offer this accommodation option for a growing number of regional and rural patients who come here for specialised cancer care.

Whilst requiring close monitoring, many of these patients’ medical needs can be met without an inpatient stay and be monitored via our outpatient cancer centre.

This fantastic program will continue to help ease the stresses and strains of those affected by cancer.

We are so grateful to everyone who supported Dry July and we hope you can join us again in going ‘dry’ to support those affected by cancer.