A Decade of Compassionate Care: St John of God Berwick Hospital Celebrates 10 Years of Day Oncology Service

20 Nov 2025

Located within St John of God Berwick Hospital, the purpose-built Day Oncology Unit offers chemotherapy, immunotherapy and supportive care in a calm, patient-centred environment. The service has continued to expand in line with community need and advances in cancer treatment.
Key achievements over the past decade include:

• Caring for 3,308 patients since opening, with an average of 18 patients a day over the past 10 years. That number is now sitting at 22 patients a day, demonstrating the increasing demand for this vital service.
• 45,953 patient admissions.
• Opening the Community Wig Service, funded entirely through generous community donations and operated by specially trained volunteers, offering patients comfort, confidence and dignity during treatment.
• Introducing the Skye Oncology Patient App, enabling patients to track appointments, access educational resources and communicate easily with their care team.
• Implementing the CHARM Oncology Medical Record System in August 2024, enhancing clinical documentation, patient safety, and the seamless coordination of care across the oncology team.
• Launching Dream a Little Dream, a program granting small wishes to palliative patients, including those receiving oncology care, helping to bring moments of joy and comfort.
• Supporting annual fundraising and cancer awareness initiatives, including participation in the Biggest Morning Tea and the Casey Relay for Life, helping raise vital funds and awareness in the local community.
• Hosting the annual Mini Field service — a moving tribute honouring those affected by breast cancer. Hundreds of pink lady silhouettes are placed in the hospital gardens to symbolise the courage, hope and memory of women and families touched by the disease. The service also acknowledges men who experience breast cancer, represented by blue and white figures, ensuring all affected are recognised and remembered.
• Introducing a dedicated Cancer Care Co Ordinator, who provides personalised guidance, support and continuity of care for patients throughout their treatment journey.
• Receiving generous donations from the community that have allowed investment in new technology and in the professional growth of caregivers, including:

• Cold Caps to help patients reduce hair loss due to chemotherapy.

• SOZO technology for improved management and monitoring of lymphoedema.• An education fund that has supported oncology caregivers to develop new skills and enhance their professional expertise.

• Building strong partnerships with local oncologists, GPs and allied health providers to deliver seamless, multidisciplinary cancer care.

• Receiving ongoing support over the decade from local donors and community groups, whose generosity has been crucial in sustaining services and programs for patients.

Integral to this decade of service has been the hospital’s McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who provide free, specialised support to individuals diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, the McGrath Breast Care Nurses offer guidance, education and emotional support, ensuring patients never feel alone during their cancer journey. Their compassionate, expert care has been instrumental in improving the experience and outcomes of countless local families.

Spiritual and emotional wellbeing are also at the heart of care at St John of God Berwick Hospital. The hospital’s Pastoral Care team plays a vital role in supporting patients, families and caregivers through every stage of their treatment.

St John of God Berwick Hospital Chief Executive Officer Lisa Norman said the milestone reflects the hospital’s deep connection to the local community and its commitment to excellence in care.
“Our Day Oncology service has become an essential part of the Berwick community,” Ms Norman said. “Over the past decade, we’ve seen the service grow and evolve, but what has remained constant is our commitment to compassionate, person-centred care. We’re incredibly proud of our team and the hope and healing they bring to so many local families.”

Day Oncology Nurse Unit Manager Lisa Marchetti said the past 10 years have seen incredible progress, both in cancer treatment and in patient support. “For many patients, receiving treatment in a familiar, supportive setting makes an enormous difference,” Ms Marchetti said. “The addition of initiatives like the Community Wig Service, the Skye Oncology Patient App, the CHARM Oncology Medical Record System and Dream a Little Dream — along with the dedicated support of our Cancer Care Coordinator, McGrath Breast Care Nurses, Pastoral Care team and community donors — show how we continually listen to our patients and strive to improve their experience every day.”

As the Day Oncology service celebrates its 10-year anniversary, St John of God Berwick Hospital remains committed to expanding access to high-quality cancer care and continuing its mission of providing exceptional, person-centred support for every patient, every day.

The Day Oncology team will be celebrating the milestone with a morning tea on Tuesday 18th November at 10.30am to be held onsite at 55 Kangan Drive, Berwick.

Media Contact

Name: Lisa Carman

Phone: 0407 682 501

Email: [email protected]