A few weeks ago, we celebrated the launch of our new collaboration with CanTeen Australia at their Hunter and Northern office and for those of you who don’t know what CanTeen does, they help young people (aged 12-25) cope with a close family member’s cancer or their own and support them along the way. CanTeen Australia regularly organises camps and recreation days with up to 50 young people where they can meet others their age who understand what they’re going through, develop new skills to cope with cancer and have some fun away from cancer too.

HCA committed to providing nurses at the next camps in 2017 to support and look after the health of these young people and especially the young cancer patients. Our nursing staff will perform duties such as dispense medication, including chemotherapy, administer first-aid, record medication dispensed, identify potential risks/hazards, accompany members to medical centres or hospitals if required, support members in developing their own skills, and make sure everyone is having a good time! They will also have a lot of fun working in such a rewarding environment.

The more healthcare volunteers we provide; the better equipped CanTeen will be to care for the 23,000 young people who have their world turned upside down by cancer each year. This is not limited to medical care, and also extends to psychosocial or general program volunteers. Check out a video about CanTeen camps.

CanTeen is always on the lookout for volunteers and it can be hard to secure a Doctor, Medical Officer or Registered Nurse who can stay the whole length of the camp. If you are a healthcare professional looking for some paid charity work, reach out to us here.

We are proud to be associated with CanTeen and are looking forward to working and supporting young people living with cancer. To donate or volunteer, visit CanTeen’s website.