Peter Mac - Consumers in Action

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The Power of One

Each year Peter Mac formally recognizes and rewards the significant contributions that staff and volunteers make towards the organisation. The awards program is based on the organisation’s core values of Excellence, Innovation and Compassion.

In 2006 Mr Bryan Baker, a CAC member, was the recipient of the Community Contribution Award. This award is made to an outstanding member of the community who demonstrates commitment and service to Peter Mac and its activities.

Mr Baker has been the driving force behind the Bendigo Radiotherapy Foundation, which over the last 5 years has lobbied for the provision of cancer services to country Victoria and raised substantial funds to support the introduction of new technology, purchase equipment, provide patient accommodation and improve service delivery.

Bryan became involved in cancer treatment through a close friend who experienced the trauma of having to travel to Melbourne for radiotherapy at Peter Mac in 1998. Several years later the Kennett Government made a decision to install 3 fully funded country-based centres in Victoria, Bendigo being one of them. With this assurance the fundraising group concentrated its efforts on obtaining low cost accommodation for patients attending the proposed centre. They formed a sub committee under the name "Raise the Roof" and began a further fundraising drive. The accommodation was provided in time for the commencement of the Radiotherapy service in April 2002.

The group was in the process of winding up "Raise the Roof" when it became aware, to its chagrin, that there were insufficient staff to operate the new equipment and meet the growing number of patients wanting treatment. Waiting times were blowing out alarmingly. The group had a think tank and decided it would be best to form a separate fundraising organization, “The Bendigo Radiotherapy Foundation" to attract staff and assist full development of the radiation therapy service. The Foundation has contributed to significant improvements in the level of service at Bendigo.

	Bryan is currently Chairman of the Foundation and under his leadership it continues to provide vital support to Peter Mac’s Bendigo Centre. Demonstrating great humility Bryan is always quick to down play his role and acknowledge the great team with which he works.
Bryan ‘test-drives’ new equipment at Peter Macs Bendigo Centre

Learning from our Mistakes

Wal Crellin’s career as a Civil Engineer and university lecturer has equipped him well for his latest challenge as consumer representative on Peter Mac’s Clinical Governance Committee. The committee monitors the hospital’s clinical work, quality projects and any complaints and incidents, so Wal’s voice is important. He sees things from the patient’s side and believes we should be open and honest about things that go wrong. His engineering background also recognizes the steps necessary to change a process or practice.

Wal first came to Peter Mac in 2003 to be treated for prostate cancer. Unfortunately his first two days of scheduled radiotherapy were cancelled and he complained about his treatment to our Patient Advocate. “I believe they could have contacted me on my mobile or made more of an effort so that I didn’t come in two days in a row only to be sent home” Wal says.

His complaint was recognized by the hospital. The booking processes were reviewed. And after that his treatment went smoothly.

Wal joined the Clinical Governance Committee in 2006. He is committed to a culture of ‘open disclosure’ and believes it is important for patients and their families to tell Peter Mac about things that don’t work well – and for Peter Mac to respond appropriately.