KUCHING: To enhance services provided by the Paediatric Oncology Ward 2A of the Sarawak General Hospital, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) handed over donated medical equipment comprising ventilator, suction pump, integrated flow generator, oxygen concentrators rechargeable battery, valued at RM72,500 to the hospital here yesterday.
The society also donated five TV sets inclusive of Astro services worth RM8,000 as a form of entertainment for the children receiving treatment at the children’s ward isolation rooms.
Through the donation of the medical equipment, SCCS hopes doctors and nurses will be able to provide better care and comfort for the children during their treatment.
At the same time, the society also hopes to bring cheer and joy to the children while they go through those challenging times.
SCCS works closely with the medical team at the Pediatric Oncology 2A Ward and provides support in terms of sponsoring various lab tests and the donation of various medical consumables. The society also sends relevant medical personnel for training with the hope of improving the level of care and understanding the latest advancement in Pediatric Oncology. In 2017, the society spent approximately RM97,000 on medical support and training.
Apart from medical treatment, the society understands the need to provide emotional support for caregivers during this difficult time for the children and their families. The Society’s has two support staff based at the ward to provide informal counselling sessions, to organise group sharing sessions and other activities for caregivers in the ward. To boost the spirit of the children, the staff and volunteers carry out bedside craft activities, loaning of toys and books and organise monthly birthday celebrations and festivities celebration.
This year’s equipment donation is from funds raised via the KRN30,000 Run Against Cancer organised by the Kuching Runners Network and also via The Santa Run organised by Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd.
SCCS supports approximately 150 families each year and has supported more than 1,000 families since 2001.
With an annual operating budget of RM1.5 million, support from the public and corporate organisations has played an integral role in SCCS’s ability to provide its services. Apart from corporate donations, the public’s continuous support and funds collected via SCCS’s major “GoBald” fundraising event, SCCS strives to provide a holistic support to families by addressing financial, logistical, medical, social, spiritual, and emotional needs of the children and their families in Sarawak.
SCCS is currently in the early stages of planning an upgrade of the children’s playroom and the parents’ waiting area; and installing new cabinets for the daycare in the Pediatric Oncology Ward 2A. These are scheduled for completion around mid-2019.
As children and caregivers spent a significant amount of their time in the ward during cancer treatment, the refurbishment aims to provide caregivers with some privacy and comfort especially during mealtimes, and a more conducive environment for children’s play activities.
In conjunction with the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, SCCS will also be organising a Gold Ribbon Cancer Awareness Event at the East Atrium of VivaCity Megamall from 14-17 September 2018 (which includes a balloon maze-Ali Beats Cancer and a blood donation and stem cell donor drive on 15th September from 1-5pm) and also a ColorRush Run on 17 September 2018 beginning at Saradise.
If you would like to contribute to SCCS or know more about the society, please visit their website sccs.org.my and email them at administrator@sccs.org.my or call them at tel: 082-686276 and you can also visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sccsmy.
