Need an X-Ray? Or to record a platelet count? Cancer treatment involves a multitude of appointments to attend, and details to record, making a diary a useful asset. Redkite’s diary can help, and has just arrived at the Oncology reception desk.

“It’s wonderful the diaries are now available for families,” said Audrey Morisseau, Redkite’s Family Support Coordinator. “So many people have been asking for them.” 

The diary was created for oncology families at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and includes the phone numbers and locations of frequently required departments as well as helpful advice for parents who are new to oncology.

“Usually nurses write information in it about treatments and families use it to write down appointments,” said Audrey. “Such as when they need to visit a physio.”

Importantly, it is bilingual to assist our steady stream of French speaking families.

“We have families from New Caledonia who speak French at the hospital. Usually about a dozen or so visit from there a year,” said Audrey.

“It’s in both English and French so they can understand it too.”

An additional benefit is that the diary can help Oncology patients who are constructing a bead string. Children receive a handmade carry bag, containing a set of beads spelling their name, which they add to over time creating a string of beads showing the many steps in their treatment. Audrey notes,

“Patients and Redkite staff often write down experiences related to beading so when they return to it after weeks or months they know what to do next."

Just inside the cover is the Redkite Help Line phone number 1800 REDKITE (1800 733 548) providing you with access to councillors free of charge.

“Anyone can call at anytime,” said Audrey. “Relatives of patients can call. Grandparents who want to ask questions can, and so can aunties or friends. They can talk about anything they want to and there is always someone there to help.”

When you get your diary from Oncology it can be personalised. “Patients can have a sticker, with their details on it, printed to place in their diary,” said Donna Dell’Unto at the Oncology reception desk.

A diary? Yes. But so much more as well. Especially when you are combining hospital visits with busy family life.