$4000 boost unit, provides comfort for patients

WESTPAC Fiji gifted $4000 to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) Oncology Unit through the Suva Cancer Survivors Association.

The gift enabled the association to purchase two leather recliner chairs, two dozen warm blankets and duvets and two side tables for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The money was raised by

Westpac staff and matched by Westpac Fiji during Pinktober and Movember last year and was one of three gifts given to cancer charities across Fiji.

Westpac Fiji chiefe executive officer Shane Smith said lending a hand and helping the community was in their DNA and “they are certainly committed to doing their part in the fight against cancer”.

“We’re happy to have worked in partnership with the Suva Cancer Survivors Association and encourage others to help wherever they can,” he said.

“We hope our donation will help make the journey more bearable for cancer patients and their loved ones.”

Suva Cancer Survivors Association president Salote Qalo said the donation was “timely and practical”.

“We’re always visiting the team at the Oncology Ward and last year we asked them what they needed for their patients and that’s where we got our list from for recliner chairs and blankets,” she said.

“At the same time, I was invited to be a guest speaker at the Westpac Pinktober function and after my talk I had a chat with the Westpac team to see how they could assist and I am so happy they did.”

She said patients who underwent chemotherapy received their treatment in a room where the air conditioning was usually turned up so high so the blankets would help keep them warm.

“Before the recliner chairs were donated, they used to use beds for patients, but now those can be freed up for other wards to use.”

Ms Qalo said the association advocates for patient comfort and continues to help by speaking to donors for their support.

During a recent visit to the Oncology Unit, she was pleased to receive feedback that the patients were grateful for the equipment and were using them during their treatments.