A Girls' Day Out has delivered care packages to West Gippsland Healthcare Group's oncology department in a new initiative supporting local cancer patients.
The care packages contain Moo Goo skin care products and comfort socks, which oncology nurses will give new and existing patients, particularly where treatment has adverse effects on the skin.
Oncology nurse unit manager Kiona Smith said "some treatments such as radiation can cause skin issues and we will often recommend skin care products to alleviate that."
"Good quality products can be expensive though, especially on top of the medical expenses that come with a cancer diagnosis," she said.
Oncology nurse Sinead Hickmott said the care packages were like a warm hug from A Girls' Day Out. "They're a link to a supportive community and demonstrate to patients that they are thought of at one of the most confronting times of their life."
A Girls' Day Out committee members Louise Leighton and Michelle Schoofs delivered the first round of care packages to Kiona and Sinead. The committee will continue to supply care packages as needed.
"I love where we have come from and that we're finding more ways to support people through their cancer journey. This is why we do what we do," Louise said.
Last month's A Girls' Day Out event raised a record $158,000 for WGHG's oncology department, breast care nurses and Kristy's Gift, an initiative that provides financial and other support to cancer patients on a nomination basis.