Cancer Council calls for more people to help patients at Blacktown Hospital

VOLUNTEER Rosemary Smith’s blue and turquoise tresses are quite the icebreaker.

Rosemary Smith volunteers at Blacktown Council’s Cancer Council Information Service.

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VOLUNTEER Rosemary Smith’s blue and turquoise tresses are quite the icebreaker.

That’s a bit of a talking point. People say ‘Oh I love your hair’,’’ she said.

The loud choice of colour is also a diversion for cancer patients who meet her at Blacktown Hospital’s Cancer Council Information Service, where she volunteers once a week for four hours.

“It makes the transition a little bit easier so that’s a bit of a talking point,’’ she said.

“Having a normal conversation, not necessarily about cancer but their kids, things they do on their holidays, it’s just something different to talk about.

Cancer Council NSW is calling on more people like Mrs Smith to help out at the centre, which opened in April as part of the first stage of Blacktown Hospital’s redevelopment.

Volunteers provide information resources about services, ranging from transportation, counselling and financial assistance, available to patients.

There are also short visits to the chemotherapy ward to provide scarfs and refreshments to patients.

Blacktown Hospital volunteers’ manager Janice Low and Rosemary Smith near some information booklets they hand out.

As part of their training, candidates undertake two days of training to equip them with the skills to speak with patients sensitively.

“Choice of words is very important,’’ Mrs Smith said.

“It’s a matter of retraining yourself on how to speak to people but then it’s a natural conversation.

“It’s important not to talk about yourself. This isn’t about us, it’s about the person and just being able to hold a conversation just about anything. We don’t give them medical advice, that’s not our expertise.’’

Mrs Smith encouraged younger people to donate their time as well.

“It’s not just for retired people,’’ she said. I think dedication has to be there for a start ... and I think that comes with age.

“We need more people like me and that’s not putting tickets on myself. I think the way of life today is just too busy for a lot of people.

“Four hours out of your life isn’t too bad.’’

The Blacktown resident was diagnosed with melanoma five years ago but early detection meant she did not require treatment.

Her passion for volunteering is also fuelled by several relatives who were diagnosed with the disease, including her brother who died from the bowel cancer when he was 47.

For more information about becoming a volunteer at the Cancer Council Information Service, contact [e-mail] or call 9354 2011.

Training will be held on Friday October 14 during a formal induction session.