New teen cancer unit for PMH

7/7/04
Teenage cancer patients will soon have their own accommodation unit at Princess Margaret Hospital, thanks to the generosity of Perth mother Helen Sewell.
Ms Sewell has offered to donate up to $3million for the construction of an adolescent oncology unit at the hospital in memory of her late daughter Johanna, who died in 1989 of osteogenic sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer.
The Johanna Sewell Adolescent Oncology Unit will feature bedrooms, a recreation and study area, kitchen and entertainment facilities to accommodate eight teenage cancer patients while they receive treatment at the hospital.
Ms Sewell said Johanna had identified the need for such a unit after being admitted to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital shortly after being diagnosed with cancer at 17.
"To be placed in a hospital unit with a lot of elderly people was a terrifying experience for Johanna, especially since she had never been in hospital before," she said.
"Later on, when she became involved with teenage cancer support organisation CanTeen at PMH, she commented how much happier she would have been if she had stayed at PMH instead of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
"However, we were both concerned at how teenagers had to reside with younger children at PMH, which was not always practical in terms of bedtime and privacy.
"This unit will make a huge difference to teenage cancer patients by allowing them to have privacy and socialise with people their own age during their stay in hospital.
"It's wonderful to see something good coming out of losing Johanna."
Ms Sewell said the project could not have progressed without the support and co-operation of PMH and the Kids Cancer Support Group (KCSG).
Health Minister Jim McGinty praised the generosity of Ms Sewell and said he was moved by her kindness and courage to pursue the project.
"Ms Sewell's generous contribution will have a huge impact on the lives of young cancer patients in Western Australia," Mr McGinty said.
"It is heartbreaking for a parent to lose a child, so for Ms Sewell to turn that tragedy into a positive is truly inspirational."
Women's and Children's Health Service Area chief executive Glyn Palmer said the generous donation would enable adolescent oncology children to be cared for in a purpose-built facility that would cater for their specific needs both clinically and socially.
"The medical and nursing staff are looking forward to the completion of the new unit and to continuing their program of care for these teenagers," Mr Palmer said.
"I believe the unit will be the first of its kind in Australia to meet the needs of adolescent patients, so this is a significant achievement for WA."
Work on the unit should begin towards the end of the year and is expected to be completed in October, 2005.
Minister's office: 9220 5000