Mount Aspiring Resource Room

One of the special features of the Alfred Health Radiation Oncology unit is the well-developed Cancer Support Service. This service was established to assist patients and their loved ones deal with the social, physical and emotional issues associated with a diagnosis of cancer.

The centre is staffed by two cancer support nurses and volunteers.

Mount Aspiring Resource Room

The Mount Aspiring Resource Room is a welcoming space where patients with cancer and their families can access information on cancer, treatment and support.

Information is available in writing, on video and cassettes, the internet and the Cancer Council Victoria’s Cancer Information System. The cancer support nurses are on hand to assist people to find the materials they need.

The Mount Aspiring Resource Room was made possible by donor Mary Lou Orloff. In February 1998, a courageous group of women, all survivors or supporters of women with breast cancer, set out to climb Mount Aspiring, a 10,000 feet peak in New Zealand. Mary Lou Orloff raised $35,000 in donations for climbing this mountain.

This money was donated to The Alfred and enabled us to establish the Mount Aspiring Resource Room in the South Block.

The following types of information are available:

• Type of cancer treatments
• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Support groups
• Regular information sessions
• Talking to family and friends
• Moving on after treatment
• Communicating with your doctor

There is access to a wide variety of resources and can help to find the support you need.