New Breast Cancer Centre in Melbourne

kmakm

I had an appointment today at the brand spanking new Eastern Health Breast and Cancer Centre. It was their very first day.

Adjacent to Maroondah Hospital, it's a new building that has integrated BreastScreen and the Breast Clinic that were on the other side of the street. It's so much better than the two ramshackle old repurposed weatherboard homes they've been using until now. It's light filled, spacious and has a pleasant and cohesive colour scheme.

There was a little confusion and some opening day hiccups but on the whole I was very impressed. 

In addition to the amalgamation, they're adding Wellness services, and looking to streamline and speed up the process of moving from diagnosis to seeing a surgeon, and possibly an oncologist as well. Given the terrible anxiety that comes with a cancer diagnosis, and the associated waiting, anything that makes the beginning of treatment faster and smoother is fantastic. As we all all know, once there is a plan, most people tend to feel better.

It was wonderful to experience such a terrific, purpose built facility in the public health sector. More please!

MoiraC

@kmakm -That's great good to see some services getting out beyond inner city areas. Hope they coordinate their services well and talk to each other. Seems a bit of a problem where I go in Sydney.

kmakm

@MoiraC It seems to be such a mixed bag depending on your location.

Sister

It would be good to see more specialised well-being services co-ordinator with treatment

kmakm

@Sister As I was waiting to go in to my appointment I was approached by and had a long chat with their new Wellness Coordinator! She was very informative and open to feedback and suggestions. I found it most heartening given the closed book attitude to this kind of thing I've found elsewhere. I think that if you're a patient in the Eastern Health region of Melbourne you could feel confident that you'll receive a whole person treatment.

tigerbeth

I had my first appointment there on Wednesday by default !! The old place had a power failure so they transferred everyone to the new facility . Lovely new place  but very disorganized as they weren't supposed to be there yet !!
Everyone was very lovely & helpful . Might see you there one day @kmakm

kmakm

Would love to @tigerbeth! Where are you up to in your treatment? How are you feeling?

A bit chaotic on Friday, they had to get extra chairs for the waiting to leave section. And they were already aware that two people on the desk is not enough, saying they were in the process of hiring a third.

tigerbeth

@kmakm I have only just started waiting for the date for lump removal , should know on Monday I hope , the sooner I get on with this the better . The waiting room was packed when we were there too, had to stand until they found more chairs .

kmakm

@tigerbeth I'm five minutes away so if you ever need company or a cuppa and a chinwag, let me know. Shoulder available for a cry too! My diagnosis was similar to yours. I'm happy to wait with you if ever your regular support person is unavailable  

tigerbeth

@kmakm Thank you so much , that would be lovely .I'm sure to need someone that's walked in those shoes ! 
I will be sure to give you a shout out when needed. Happy to do the same for you too 

SallyS

This is where i went for my call back and due back there Monday 9am for my results! Is BreastScreen still in the old building or has it all moved please @kmakm ?

kmakm

@SallyS I think BreastScreen moves into the new building on Monday. It's almost directly opposite, and well signposted so it won't be a hassle to find. They have some parking (16 spaces) so if they're full you'll have to go to the main car park and of course sometimes that's full so give yourself time to get sorted.

Good luck with getting your results, let us know how you get on. K xox

kmakm

@tigerbeth I've sent you a PM.

SallyS

Thanks so much, hopefully being the first appt we can get a park! 

kmakm

@SallyS May the stars align for both your results and the parking!