Supportive Care Centre: Introducing Deanne Linde
Barwon Health would like to welcome Deanne Linde to the role of Cancer Services Supportive Care Centre Co-ordinator.
For the past three years, Deanne has been working in the Palliative Care Unit at the McKellar Centre as a social worker. Prior to that, she worked in youth and family services, and has spent six years teaching welfare and social work at The Gordon.
Deanne has experience co-ordinating volunteer programs for the Red Cross in emergency services, Hands on Health providing massage during the Black Saturday bush fires and investigating the options for a free integrative medical centre in Rajastan, India.
Deanne’s role is to find out what consumers would like from the Supportive Care Centre, in order to make recommendations for a future model of care. She is hoping to establish a timetable of evidence-based wellness programs and educational services which will offer a holistic and variable approach to supporting cancer patients.
“A group of volunteers are currently being recruited to assist in gathering ideas from consumers,” Deanne explained.
“These volunteers will be located in the Supportive Care Centre and are responsible for showing people around the centre and helping them access reliable information about their cancer.”
“The Supportive Care Centre currently offers a beautiful, relaxing and welcoming area for cancer patients and their loved ones, where they can sit in a private space, or chat with others. Tea and coffee facilities are available, and soon we will be baking fresh snacks in the kitchen. “
“Professional services such as social work can be accessed at the Supportive Care Centre. There is a weekly mindfulness/relaxation session run by the Oncology Social Work department, and a monthly art group that meets at the centre. The art group will be helping to create a feedback wall of coloured envelopes where people can place their ideas and thoughts about the Supportive Care Centre.”
Several support groups are meeting in the Supportive Care Centre regularly, with more planning to move here soon. Patients can discuss with their cancer nurse care-co-ordinator about what groups may be suitable to them.
Deanne is excited to support an integrated support service for cancer patients and their loved ones at Barwon Health.
To contact Deanne, please phone (03) 4215 3831 or email: [email protected]
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