Local Bunnings team creates tranquil outside environment for palliative care and oncology patients

18 Sep 2023

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Medical and Oncology Nurse Service Manager Susanna Murphy said that while the ward has always benefited from a large balcony which overlooks beautiful trees and St Joseph’s Church, the balcony was tired and in need of a refresh. 

“In collaboration with St John of God Foundation, we contacted Bunnings to see if they could help us to upgrade the area for our patients. And to our absolute delight they were more than happy to assist,” she said.

“In fact, we were absolutely amazed at the level of support they provided. In addition to providing team members from the store who gardened, set up furniture and undertook general renovations, Bunnings donated stunning plants, furniture, barbeques and festoon lights, which have helped to create a wonderful outdoor environment for our patients.

“Sadly, for some patients being cared for on the ward, this balcony presents the last opportunity they have to go outdoors and spend time with loved ones outside of their hospital room. We’re so pleased that they can now do this in a more beautiful and tranquil environment. 

“We also know that for many of our patients, being outside can have a significant impact on how they feel and can lower stress levels and lift their spirits.”

“I can’t thank the team at Bunnings enough for their generosity. Despite the terrible weather conditions on the day of the upgrade, everyone involved worked tirelessly. Their incredible efforts are not only appreciated by caregivers at our hospital, but most importantly, by our patients and their loved ones.”

“We are also incredibly grateful to Cyber Fitness in Armadale. Through word of mouth, the owner of the fitness centre heard about the initiative, and generously donated funds for an electrician to provide power to the outside area.”

St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s palliative care and oncology ward is now exploring opportunities to host regular sundowners on the balcony. The sundowners will be open to the ward’s patients and to their family and friends.

Susanna added that the balcony is also occasionally used for special occasions such as weddings and birthday parties when patients are unable to leave hospital.