Close-to-home care drives local car club to support Lithgow hospital
Motivated by his positive experience of receiving care locally, cancer patient Brad Holzman has raised a generous donation for Lithgow Hospital with help from the Mountain Cruizers Car Club.
A generous community donation has been presented to Lithgow Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Unit, thanks to the fundraising efforts of one patient and the Lithgow Mountain Cruizers Car Club.
Local mechanic Brad Holzman, who has been receiving ongoing cancer treatment for several years, was inspired to give back after experiencing first-hand the convenience and support of receiving care close to home.
“I started off going down to Nepean, but now I get all my treatment from here,” says Brad.
“Just being close to home and being able to continue life, continue working, has made a massive difference for me. I can be here at nine for treatment and back at work by eleven.”
Brad Holzman, patient
Using Lithgow’s regular Coffee and Cars meet-ups as a fundraising platform, Brad led a community effort that quickly gained momentum.
“I just basically got a bucket and walked around Coffee and Cars,” explains Brad. “Everyone was happy to throw in what they could. It’s amazing how many people want to support it.”
The $1275 donation to Lithgow Hospital will help to purchase a portable ultrasound machine for the Ambulatory Care unit, says Clinical Nurse Specialist Chris Edmonston, who’s service supports around 40-50 local cancer patients each month.
“Every single patient that we see is so appreciative of being able to attend locally instead of going to Nepean,” confirms Chris. “The familiar faces here at their local hospital also help to provide comfort.”
Dr Amanda Stevanovic, Senior Staff Specialist and Director of Cancer Services at the Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, understands the hurdles faced by patients living in regional areas.
"Many patients are regularly required travel long distances for tests, procedures and treatments, and even a simple doctor's appointment can sometimes take a whole day. Given cancer patients are often very symptomatic, this can add an extra burden of fatigue. Time spent travelling and in waiting rooms also replaces that which is spent more comfortably with families and friends, working, or doing other valuable activities." says Dr Stevanovic.
The unit at Lithgow saves many patients and their carers over 3 hours a day in travel time while avoiding other complications such as road closures.
Dr Stevanovic also explains how video clinics allow the patient to attend their local hospital but still have the benefit of a face-to-face consultation with their treating specialist.
"A video consultation service allows clinicians to visualise their patients remotely and still make a robust assessment. The patient is also closely monitored locally, so changes in their condition can be detected faster."
Dr Amanda Stevanovic, Senior Staff Specialist, Medical Oncology and Director of Cancer Services at Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre.
Brad, who benefits from both local treatment and remote video consultations, hopes that his fundraising efforts will raise greater awareness of the service.
“Hopefully this helps put a bit more of a spotlight on it,” says Brad. "A lot of people think they have to go to Penrith or Bathurst for treatment, but we’ve got great services right here in Lithgow – and these guys rock. They’re so professional and down to earth.”
With further events and raffles planned, Brad and the community plan to keep the momentum going.
Hospital staff have warmly welcomed the donation, which will directly benefit local patients accessing treatment at the facility.