THE Tomaree Prostate Cancer Support Group was formed in May 2012.
It was quickly identified that a real need existed for a transport service to take patients to Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland for radiotherapy, chemotherapy, oncology and diagnostics.
This need exists because of the distances required to travel for treatment and the length of time it takes to travel to and from the treatment locations by public transport.
In 2017 the Nelson Bay Cancer Patient Transport Group was registered and now actively provides transport (where resources allow) for all male and female cancer patients, with the exception of breast cancer patients, who are catered for by the Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group.
There are approximately 50-plus volunteer drivers who transport patients and family members from and to their homes for treatment.
These volunteers are paid an allowance to cover for fuel for their own vehicles and maintenance costs.
Should patients wish to, they are able to enjoy a conversation with their driver and the drivers are happy to assist the patients with any other requirements during their trips to treatment.
This volunteer driving service eliminates the stress the patient has about travelling to and from their treatment.
Driving time from the local area to treatment can be from 45 -60 minutes with the driver waiting for the patient to have treatment and then driving the patient home.
On some occasions, a driver will take the patient to hospital in the morning and another driver will do a pick up in the afternoon.
For more information call 0407 252 566.
