A 49-year-old mother of four from Esperance, Nicola MacKenzie, found comfort in our lodges whilst visiting Perth alone for radiation treatment for a Basal Cell Carcinoma.
“Knowing that someone is always here, just in case, and nothing is too much trouble – I feel so lucky to be part of this amazing group”, Nicola shared.
Requiring six weeks of treatment, Nicola needed somewhere to stay as she could not afford a motel and did not want to impose on family or friends for this length of time.
Every day, there are 36 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Western Australia. With country people less likely to seek timely diagnosis and treatment or to finish their cancer treatment, we want to give people like Nicola the support to receive treatment as early as possible, so they have the best possible cancer outcomes.
We support country people by providing two self-catering accommodation lodges for regional cancer patients, who need to stay in Perth for specialist appointments and life-saving treatments.
Our two lodges; Crawford and Milroy Lodge offer comfortable, clean and safe motel-style accommodation for cancer patients and their carers, with on-site support services.
Using the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme, Nicola was able to stay at our Crawford Lodge free of charge while she visited the city for her treatment.
“I am so grateful for this service. With Cancer Council WA facilitating such a fantastic ‘home away from home’, the six weeks I have been here have gone faster than expected”
“Each day I get a phone call from one of the lovely ladies on front desk, just to check in, as they know I am here by myself. It is a wonderful service, run by amazing and compassionate staff.”
“Crawford Lodge has a number of precautions in place to alleviate any stress surrounding COVID. I had no concerns”, Nicola shared.
We know how important it is to keep our immunosuppressed guests safe and we keep up to date with all the least advice from the Department of Health. We are proud to state we have been able to continue operating through the past two and a half years of the pandemic – guest welfare is our highest priority.
If you need to come to Perth for cancer treatment and live 100kms or more from the city, or in Northam or York, you may be eligible through the government’s Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) for assistance towards the cost of your travel and accommodation.
For more information:
- About staying at our Lodges or any of our support services please visit our website or call 13 11 20.
- Share your story