03 May 2023
Words John Miller Informer 106

A home away from home for young Australians in need

Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, consistently ranking among the top developed countries. Our system works exceedingly well for most people, especially those living in major cities.

But for those in regional and rural areas, the life-saving healthcare they desperately need is often hundreds of miles away. While the cost of the healthcare itself is affordable, the cost of travel to and from accommodation in our major cities places a heavy financial burden on the families of patients who live in outlying areas.

This is especially true for young cancer patients who need specialist hospital treatment that is only available in capital cities, particularly those with rare and complex cancers like bone, blood and brain cancer. On average, the cost to the family of a young cancer patient for travel and accommodation is around $8,000. 

This poses another enormous strain on family finances as carers need to stop work to look after their loved ones, given the rising cost of living.

“We support the program because like many of the families we have teenage and young adult kids ourselves and couldn’t imagine being in their situation. But most importantly we’re able to provide a home away from home to the individuals and families that they can make their own and not have to worry about in any way.”

MICHAEL BEVILAQUA, QUEST SOUTH PERTH FORESHORE

This is where the You Can Stay program comes in. In 2020, Quest Apartment Hotels partnered with Sony Foundation Australia to fill this gap in the provision of affordable accommodation for young cancer patients from regional areas. Available nationally to all young cancer patients undergoing treatment aged 15–25 who live 100km or more from their treating hospital, You Can Stay provides accommodation at Quest, Citadines, Somerset or Oakwood properties at no cost to patients and their families.

Since its inception, Quest has provided accommodation for over 200 patients and their families accounting for more than 13,000 room nights. 

You Can Stay continues to make a meaningful difference in the recovery journey of patients and provides a heart-warming and uplifting sense of purpose to everyone administering this critical program.

“We support the program because we genuinely care and want to make a difference. The reward for us is the appreciation shown by the families. Hearing their stories and how we’ve helped has been a real heart warmer. That’s reason enough to participate in the program. It’s really well managed and simply a wonderful cause to be involved with.”

JOSHUA HARKNESS, QUEST NORTH SYDNEY

Quest Woolloongabba has supported You Can Stay since the program’s inception. Its close proximity to three of Brisbane’s major public hospitals — Mater Public, Queensland Children’s and Prince Alexandra — make it an ideal base for patients such as 15-year-old Tahlia (pictured, left) from Toowoomba who stayed in Quest Woolloongabba for 21 nights while undergoing vital cancer treatment. Quest Woolloongabba General Manager Andrew Edsor has seen the positive impact the program has had on the lives of returning patients and their carers.

“The sense of relief they feel at having a familiar space to return to here at Quest makes us all proud,” says Edsor. “We arrange for patients and carers to have the same room each visit where possible. With all the uncertainty and disruption they’re going through, the Quest team works to ensure they have the space they need to recharge and relax, and a place they can be themselves with those they love most.

“When families start their You Can Stay journey with us we support them all the way. Quest provides spacious, safe and comfortable rooms at a time when so much of the patient experience involves uncertainty and the unknown. 

“We focus on providing not just comfortable quality accommodation but also show that we’re here for the families, be it for emotional support, a grocery shop, a chat, or just being present in those moments when they need us the most. We love welcoming back our repeat guests, it’s like welcoming back a family member.”

ANGELA CLARKE, QUEST ON RHEOLA & QUEST WEST END

Another example of Quest going further to create moments that matter is Quest St Leonards, which provided six weeks accommodation to 15-yearold Harriet (pictured, right) from Kanmantoo, South Australia, who travelled 1,337 km to Sydney for her cancer treatment.

“We cannot put a price on any life, and the You Can Stay program is so important to the families we have assisted and the families we will assist in future,” says Quest St Leonards team member Pritema Bivona. “We have the privilege of being able to offer quality accommodation to patients and their loved ones while they are fighting for their lives. You Can Stay allows every family to focus on what really matters without the added burden of worrying about how much everything costs.”

Managing Director of Ascott Australia, David Mansfield, said he was taken aback by the shortage of accommodation for teenager and young adult cancer patients when Sony Foundation first approached Quest to partner with You Can Stay. As Australia’s largest serviced apartment operator with properties across the country, Mansfield knew Quest could make a difference.

“We support this program because it takes away some of the worry these patients and families experience at a time when their world has been turned upside down. Home comfort is something that’s missing when you need to travel to a new town to receive hospitalisation. That’s what we endeavour to provide, a place where they can just be themselves.”

JARROD GWYNNE, QUEST SOUTH BRISBANE & QUEST CANNON HILL

“We knew we could make an impact and were compelled to act,” says Mansfield. “We know that when these families come to us, it’s a terribly challenging time so we implemented a tailored bookings process to make things easier and support their unique requirements. Today, we can proudly say Quest is only a phone call away.” END