New wheels keep patients rolling

BALLARAT Regional Integrated Cancer Centre’s patient transport service has a brand-new car in its fleet.

Prostate cancer support charity The Male Bag Foundation, with the assistance of their patron Peter Stevens, have donated a new Nissan X-TRAIL to BRICC.

Patients who are unable to independently get to their treatment at the Centre are taken to and from appointments by volunteer drivers.

BRICC’s director of medical operations Steve Medwell said the service is a unique one, crucial to the smooth operation of the Centre.

“Many patients who are very unwell need to receive treatment at BRICC every day. This places additional stresses on family and friends,” he said.

“This service, and the other support services provided by our Wellness Centre, are so important in providing additional help for our patients.

“All of us in BRICC are so grateful for the generosity of the donors and volunteers who literally keep these services running.”

Volunteer patient transport service driver Tom Buscombe said trips with patients can be “extensive,” so having a safe and comfortable car is important.

“We go as far as Ararat, Dunolly, and Bacchus Marsh, but a lot of the patients are local,” he said.

“There’s no question that the best part about the job is getting to chat to them.”

Fellow volunteer driver Bernadette O’Loughlin said she enjoys being able to help “the most wonderful people” she meets along the way.

“We’re retired, we’re still healthy, so it’s lovely to be able to do something for somebody else. They’re so grateful, you feel humbled,” she said.

For Mr Medwell, there’s a lot to be said about having team of mature people in the driver’s seat.

“They’re not just a terrific group, they’re experienced in life generally, and I don’t think that should be discounted.

“When patients get into the car and chat to our volunteers, it’s great for their state of mind, and they’re coming into treatment feeling relaxed,” he said.

The Male Bag Foundation patron David Parkin officially presented the car to BRICC at Peter Stevens Motorworld last week, on behalf of Mr Stevens and the charity.

“In 2019 we purchased the first patient transport vehicle for BRICC. In less than three years it has travelled over 100,000 kilometres, which demonstrates how important this service is to cancer patients in our region,” Mr Stevens said.

“We are happy to be upgrading this original vehicle to continue to help our communities affected by cancer.”