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WA Nationals leader Mia Davies visits Solaris Cancer Care Albany

WA Nationals leader Mia Davies visits Solaris Cancer Care Albany

Solaris Cancer Care is pleased to announce that Leader of The Nationals WA Mia Davies visited its Albany Health Campus centre today to understand the importance of integrative cancer care. 

“We are grateful to Ms Davies for taking time from her busy schedule to appreciate how our outreach and wellbeing services are directly supporting vulnerable community members during this period of isolation,” Solaris Cancer Care CEO David Edwards said. 

Ms Davies, who was joined by Member for the South West Colin Holt, said the duo were keen to highlight the important work cancer care and support service organisations like Solaris play in regional WA.

“Solaris adapted quickly to COVID-19, shifting delivery of its essential services online to provide continuity for patients,” she said. 

“As the number of cancer diagnoses in WA increases, these services become even more critical, which is why we support funding to allow the expansion of Solaris’ footprint in regional WA.”

“Unfortunately, this may be hindered by difficulties Solaris and many other community health organisations face fundraising in current circumstances.”

In 2019 Solaris provided free support to close to 7000 regional patients, carers and families with more than 2200 treatments offered just in the Great Southern last year. 

“Our clients have expressed that they find it difficult to be on their own during their cancer journey especially in remote regions like Albany. We are making extra wellbeing checks and offering vast online and outreach services to help keep them connected and supported,” Solaris Cancer Care Great Southern Client Services Manager Saskia Wiseman said. 

Solaris Cancer Care closed its doors on March 18 to protect its immune-suppressed clients in response to COVID-19. 

The not for profit replaced all face-to-face services with online counselling consultations, wellness videos, and educational workshops within 48 hours. 

Although Solaris has recorded a 35 percent increase in demand for its online and telehealth services from Albany to Kununurra, it joins several not for profits who are struggling to generate funding. 

Solaris projects a 30 percent decline in revenue. Solaris has asked for support from Lotterywest and the State Government to ensure it can continue to provide vital services to Western Australian families most in need of it. 

“Cancer never stops. Over 13,300 people will be diagnosed in WA annually,” Mr Edwards said. 

Solaris Cancer Care delivers $1.8m in integrative cancer care services support yearly, through providing over 28,000 supportive care interventions every year to West Australian families undergoing cancer. 

The not for profit organisation combines the best of modern medicine with evidence-based integrative supportive health care. 

Adult cancer patients and their families can access complementary integrative cancer care services at 

Solaris Cancer Care’s five centres including two regional centres located in Bunbury and Albany.