Patients go for gold in TUH’s oncology games

Patients from Townsville University Hospital’s oncology ward took on each other and staff this morning in a series of mini games to mark the start of the Commonwealth Games.

They competed in everything from ring toss, bean bag toss, balloon tables tennis, bowling, and mini golf.

Patricia Jeffrey, who is being treated for adrenal cancer, said the games were a fun way to get out of bed and interact with other people.

“It has been really marvellous to see all other patients out of their beds and even some family come along to cheer on their loved ones in the games,” Ms Jeffrey said.

“Cancer is serious business and it quite heavy so to get out of the rooms and have some fun with each other is a much needed reprieve.

“This is one of many events the staff at the oncology ward put on to try encourage us to keep moving and it is just incredible.

“The staff are just so committed to their jobs and patient care; they’re really worth their weight in gold.”

Physiotherapist Sarah Hultgren helped to organise the event and said getting patients moving was one of the best ways to help with their recovery.

“It was great to see so many patients come out and either take part in the games or watch and cheer on other patients,” Ms Hultgren said.

“Putting on the event was a collaborative effort between the allied health, nursing staff, and our Eat Walk Engage team with the equipment being donated by the Calvary Church group."

“Research shows us that by getting patients to stay active while they are in hospital can significantly help in their recovery.

“Getting out of bed and their rooms also benefits them cognitively which can help to prevent conditions like delirium and confusion.”

Ms Hultgren said events like this also help to put a smile on patients faces.

“A lot of these patients are dealing with bad diagnosis or life-changing conditions,” she said.

“Doing something like these games allows them to switch off from thinking about what they’re going through or why they’re in hospital and just focus on having some fun.”