New look for breast cancer centre

Mater Private Breast Cancer Centre at South Brisbane will soon undergo a refurbishment to provide patients with an ‘aesthetically relaxing environment’ in which to receive treatment.

Each year, more than 500 women are treated for breast cancer at the Mater Private Breast Cancer Centre, based at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane and Mater Private Hospital Redland.

The refurbishment has been made possible though a $20 000 donation from patients and supporters and a Mater Foundation grant.

Since opening in 2000 with two Specialist Breast Surgeons, the Mater Private Breast Cancer Centre has grown considerably to now include six specialist breast surgeons and a high calibre support team including reconstructive surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and breast care nurses.

“The team provides a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care from a pre-surgical, intra-operative, post-operative and post-discharge perspective,” Mater Private Hospital Brisbane Executive Director Don Murray said.

“This refurbishment will allow our patients with breast cancer to be treated in a centre that offers increased privacy, a more relaxed and informative waiting area and a greatly enhanced consulting setting.

“It is generally accepted that a comfortable, aesthetically relaxing environment can reduce anxiety and stress at such crucial stages of a patient’s health journey.”

Mr Murray said staff spent three months surveying patients about what they would like to see in the refurbished centre. Their responses were passed on to the architect and building contractors.

“As a result, the redesign will incorporate a new reception area, providing more privacy for patients, as well as new lighting to create a softer, more relaxed feel,” Mr Murray said.

“Discreet screens will be incorporated into the design of the main area allowing further privacy for patients entering and leaving the consulting rooms.

“This reflects the psychological needs of patients and has been designed specifically to assist with patient relaxation and to reduce stress and anxiety.”

Other features will include an enhanced communication setting where surgeon and patient positioning is more personalised with integrated X-ray viewer to assist with clinical explanation and planning.

There will also be a flat screen TV, new carpet and fresh paint and furnishings throughout the centre.

Work is expected to begin early in 2012.