Solaris Cancer Care Great Southern has found a new home and will open its doors to those impacted by cancer in early July 2021 after months of searching.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming back all our cancer patients, carers, families and supporters who haven’t been able to connect with us since 2020,” Solaris Cancer Care CEO Francis Lynch said.
“There will be a gradual roll out of our evidence-based complementary therapies as we establish ourselves in our new home.”
Solaris Cancer Care Great Southern will now be located at 91-93 Earl Street Albany and will open initially for two days – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.30am – 4.30pm. Both former cancer clients and new cancer clients, their families, carers and cancer survivors are welcome to access services as soon as the centre is opened.
Early bookings are recommended as patients are already being waitlisted for commencement.
“I have been overwhelmed with the public support shown over the past year and am full of gratitude for the offers of help we received,” Solaris Great Southern Manager Gillian Robertson said.
The centre is actively seeking qualified complementary Therapists in multiple modalities and Meet & Greet volunteers who can commit three to four hours on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Volunteers will receive guidance and mentorship throughout their commitment.
“We currently have therapies like massage available, but we would like to have volunteers, from yoga to pilates, reiki, healing touch and more who can help us expand our level of services in the region,” Ms. Robertson said.
“After a year of not having a home, many impacted by cancer cannot wait to be back and we want to be in a position to provide our services to everyone who walks in.”
Ms. Robertson welcomes anyone who is interested to volunteer to contact her via email (csmgs@solariscancercare.org.au) or phone (0477 012 419).
Solaris Cancer Care closed its doors on March 18, 2020 in response to the growing number of COVID‑19 cases in the State at that time. The centre planned to resume its full operations in October 2020 but Albany Health Campus – its previous location – was unable to accommodate it.
While the centre relocated temporarily to the Albany Hospice, it could provide services to only one patient at a time.
“We remain extremely grateful to the people of Albany who have come out of their way, provided suggestions and leads, and supported us as we searched extensively for a new home,” Mr Lynch said.
“We know how important support can be in navigating the cancer journey and remain committed to providing an oasis for those with cancer to seek respite and comfort.”
Solaris Cancer Care delivers $1.2m 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 supportive cancer care services at Solaris Cancer Care’s six centres including three regional centres located in Bunbury, Albany and Port Hedland.
Image: Isabel Vieira via Great Southern Live.
