Additional funding will be needed to continue an ongoing exercise and endurance program for cancer patients at Manning Hospital’s oncology unit beyond this year.
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In a first for the hospital, cancer patients have been involved in ‘InForm Manning: A Cancer, Exercise and Wellbeing Program’.
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The program provides patients with exercises, information, support and strategies.
It is funded through a 2017 Dry July campaign on a one year trial.
The program is coordinated by Manning Hospital occupational therapist Jillian Hull and physiotherapist Clare Rourke.
Ms Hull said the program has been designed for regional patients.
“Even though the importance and benefits of exercise in cancer management is well researched, we are aiming to establish the effectiveness of this program delivery in a regional and rural setting,” Ms Hull said.
Ms Rourke added patients have embraced the program and the results so far have shown improvements.
“So far there has been two rounds of the program and the participants have been really positive towards exercise and the program as a whole,” Ms Rourke said.
So far there has been two rounds of the program and the participants have been really positive towards exercise and the program as a whole.
- Clare Rourke, physiotherapist
“Although we did not anticipate to see dramatic physical changes in eight weeks the participants have recorded significant improvements in their endurance, strength and function.”
Feedback from participants highlighted a boost in self-confidence, fitness and fun.
Results of the program will be relayed to local organisations and NSW Health in a bid to secure funding.
Part of the program involves discussions of topics such as mindfulness, importance of exercise, yoga, communication, skin care and survivorship.
Several guest presenters have helped such as physiologist John Stevens, yoga instructor Peppa Eden-Shiomi, mindfulness coach Michael Hollingworth, social worker Stacey Gow and nurse practitioner Rachel Pitt.
The program has been registered with Hunter New England Human Research and Ethics Committee.
Each term runs for eight weeks.
