Calvary Mater Newcastle

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Calvary Mater Newcastle

Hunter New England Local Health District’s Mental Health facility and Breastscreen NSW, are also located on the Mater campus.
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Calvary Mater Newcastle public hospital in Waratah, NSW, is the major cancer care centre for the Hunter New England Local Health District, delivering more than 320,000 occasions of outpatient services and in excess of 16,000 inpatient treatments per year. Calvary Mater Newcastle provides an Emergency Department open 24 hours seven days a week, an Intensive Care Unit, extensive palliative care serv

ices including the Mercy Hospice. Calvary Mater Newcastle is also home to our world-renowned research facility. Staffed by leading researchers in oncology, toxicology, psychiatry and palliative care, we are affiliated with major universities and colleges and international research partners.

28/08/2026

💙 Thanks to the incredible support of last year's Dry July campaign, patients receiving care through the Palliative Care Service at Calvary Mater Newcastle are experiencing new possibilities beyond the hospital walls through mixed reality headsets funded by Dry July and its supporters.

The technology is now being used in the hospice and by attendees of the Fig Tree Day Hospice Program, giving patients the opportunity to explore new places, revisit meaningful memories and enjoy immersive experiences from around the world.

The project is led by Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Consultant Peter Kozaczynski, with support from the broader palliative care team.

"The headsets allow patients to visit places around the world, explore natural environments, or simply escape to a calm and peaceful setting for relaxation and guided meditation," Peter said.

For some patients, the technology also provides an opportunity to reconnect with important places and cherished memories.

"As we continue to embed this technology into the service, we hope it will allow patients to revisit their hometown or even see their own home one last time through footage viewed in the headset," Peter said.

🔗 To find out more about this initiative, click here: https://ow.ly/BtHH50ZFW7Q

💛 If you'd like to make a donation to support patients at Calvary Mater Newcastle, please click here: https://ow.ly/XBM650ZFW7P

27/08/2026

🧡💬 It’s Speech Pathology Week! 💬🧡

This week, we're celebrating the incredible work of our Speech Pathologists and the difference they make every day, helping patients communicate, eat, drink and stay connected to the world around them.

At Calvary Mater Newcastle, our wonderful team of five Speech Pathologists supports patients facing a range of health challenges that can affect communication and swallowing, including stroke, head and neck cancer, respiratory illness and dementia.

We spoke with Sonia, who has been a Speech Pathologist at the Mater for the past 25 years.

"Being a Speech Pathologist is a bit like being a detective. You look at all the different pieces of information, work with the medical team and the patient, and figure out how it all fits together."

Sonia says communication and swallowing are central to everyday life, from chatting with family and friends to enjoying a meal or celebrating special occasions.

"Not being able to take part in these everyday moments, or feeling embarrassed because of difficulties with speaking or swallowing, can be very distressing. Speech Pathology can help people navigate these challenges."

For Sonia, helping people regain confidence and participate in everyday moments is what makes the role so rewarding.

Thank you to Sonia and all of our Speech Pathologists for the compassion, expertise and support you provide to patients every day. 🧡💬

25/08/2026

🐾 Meet Bella, Our Newest Delta Therapy Dog! 🐾

We’re thrilled to welcome Bella and her handler, Ash, to Calvary Mater Newcastle.

Bella is a beautiful seven-year-old golden retriever. With her gentle nature and soulful eyes, she has a way of making people feel understood, comforted and cared for.

Ash was inspired to join Delta Therapy Dogs after seeing a friend and her dog volunteer at John Hunter Hospital. Having always known Bella would be perfect for a role like this, Ash was motivated by a lifelong admiration for volunteers, including her father, who upon retiring continues to give back through volunteer work.

As a registered nurse who has spent much of her career in Emergency Departments, Ash knows firsthand the positive impact therapy dogs can have.

"It would make a busy, stressful day instantly better."

Together, Ash and Bella hope to bring joy, comfort and a moment of calm to patients, families and staff. Whether it’s a gentle pat, a wagging tail or simply the chance to pause and smile, Bella is ready to brighten someone’s day.

When she’s not brightening days at the Mater, Bella can usually be found chasing snacks, seeking out back scratches, or keeping up with her brother, Boston, a fellow golden retriever whose favourite speed is "zoomies"!

Please join us in giving Bella and Ash a warm Calvary Mater Newcastle welcome. We can’t wait to see the smiles they bring to our community. 💙🐶

19/08/2026

🌟Palliative care pharmacists making a difference across generations

More than 30 years ago, Associate Professor Jenny Schneider helped establish the foundations of palliative care pharmacy at the Mater Hospice.

Today, Jenny is working alongside Calvary Mater Newcastle palliative care pharmacist Fern Beschi, whose research is helping answer important questions about the safe use of modern medicines in palliative care.

Supported by research grants and the expertise of palliative care leaders past and present, their research focuses on improving understanding of how modern medicines can be safely used together in palliative care.

👉 Read their story on our website here: https://ow.ly/INTs50ZAKcf

17/08/2026

Meet Dr Chris Dullard, Senior Career Medical Officer in Palliative Care, who is lacing up for the Fernleigh 15 to support Calvary Mater Newcastle! 👟💙

For more than 24 years, Chris has cared for patients at the Mater. A keen runner with marathons, half marathons and City2Surf events under his belt, Chris is taking on the Fernleigh 15 to raise funds for the most urgent and emerging needs across Calvary Mater Newcastle, ensuring vital support can be directed to patient care, treatment, research and support services when and where it is needed most.

"I like living and working in this city and being able to contribute to care for those who need it. Running gives me an opportunity to get outside while supporting a worthwhile cause."

When he's not caring for patients or clocking up kilometres, Chris enjoys baking. He's even been raising extra funds by making delicious sourdough crumpets for his colleagues. 🍽️

Join Chris and ‘Team Calvary Mater Newcastle’ and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their families.

👉 Sign up or donate online today: https://ow.ly/Jc3V50ZAcaO

Every step counts.

14/08/2026

💙 A huge thank you once again to the Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary following its AGM last week, where members presented a remarkable $355,357.16 to support the purchase of equipment and initiatives that enhance the care and experience of patients, families and staff across Calvary Mater Newcastle.💙

As a small token of our appreciation, staff from across the hospital shared heartfelt messages of thanks in this short video. 🎥💙

From all of us at Calvary Mater Newcastle, thank you to our Auxiliary members and supporters for your dedication, generosity and commitment to our community. We are truly grateful for everything you do and for the difference you continue to make every day.

To learn more about the Auxiliary's achievements, visit: https://www.calvarycare.org.au/news-and-events/news/mater-auxiliary-contributes-over-355000-to-patient-care

13/08/2026

💙 Happy Cancer Nurses Day!

Today on Cancer Nurses Day we recognise and celebrate the extraordinary cancer nurses of Calvary Mater Newcastle.

From diagnosis through treatment, survivorship and supportive care, cancer nurses play a vital role in every stage of the cancer journey. As clinicians, educators, care coordinators, nurse practitioners, researchers and leaders, they combine expert knowledge with genuine compassion to support patients when they need it most.

Thank you to our cancer nurses for the dedication, expertise and kindness you bring to our patients, families and community.

10/08/2026

Dancing for a Cause 💃🎗️

Courtney Bolch (nee O'Brien), Radiation Therapist at Calvary Mater Newcastle, is swapping the treatment room for the stage as she takes part in STARS of Newcastle 2026, raising funds for Cancer Council.

Cancer has touched Courtney’s life in a deeply personal way. Her brother was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just five years old and given six months to live. This year, he celebrates his 31st birthday.

“Watching my family navigate that journey, and now working with people undergoing cancer treatment every day, has given me a deep appreciation for the role Cancer Council plays in supporting patients and families,” Courtney said.

Paired with dance partner Lilly McCarthy from First Dance Co Studio, Courtney is training hard for her Jazz Collective performance while aiming to raise $10,000 for Cancer Council.

“Cancer affects everyone in some way. Every donation helps fund vital research and support services that make a real difference,” she said.

⭐ To support Courtney's fundraising efforts, donate via the Cancer Council website – https://ow.ly/fW5X50ZxY3n or attend her ‘Quiz for a Cure’ Trivia Night - https://ow.ly/T32150ZxY3o

08/08/2026

🧠 This week at Calvary Mater Newcastle we encourage everyone to learn the signs of stroke during Stroke Awareness Week | Every Minute Matters.

In Australia one stroke occurs every 11 minutes. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. Knowing the signs and acting F.A.S.T. could save a life.

F.A.S.T. test:
🟠 Face - Has one side of the face drooped?
🟠 Arms - Can they raise both arms?
🟠 Speech - Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?
🟠 Time - If you notice any of these signs, call 000 immediately.

Laura, Stroke Care Coordinator at Calvary Mater Newcastle encourages people to not wait to see if the symptoms go away. “Every minute counts, because 1.9 million brain cells are lost with every passing moment during a stroke,” she said.

Each year, more than 150 people present to Calvary Mater Newcastle with a stroke. Our dedicated stroke team provides specialised care to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

“Seeing patients recover and return home is one of the most rewarding parts of our work.”

Learn the signs of stroke, share them with your family and friends, and remember to act FAST. Knowing what to do could save a life.

07/08/2026

🔦Shining a light on Caitlin, one of Calvary Mater Newcastle’s dedicated social workers.

When Caitlin finished school, social work wasn't initially on her radar. After exploring different pathways, she found a profession that aligned with her values, ethics and lived experiences.

After completing a 15-week student placement at Calvary Mater Newcastle, returning as a graduate social worker felt like a natural next step.

"During my placement, I developed a strong appreciation for the team culture, the support provided to new graduates, and the organisation's commitment to holistic, patient-centred care," says Caitlin.

Social workers are an essential part of the hospital team, providing holistic care that extends beyond medical treatment. They support patients' emotional wellbeing, social needs and safe discharge planning.

"The most rewarding part of my role is building rapport with patients and understanding their individual story," says Caitlin. "Even a short conversation can reduce someone's distress, help them better understand their situation, or simply make them feel heard and more in control. Seeing that shift is what I find most meaningful in my role." 💙

Interested in joining our social work team? Learn more about our current opportunity here: https://ow.ly/r2U750Zuwjo

Address

20 Edith Street
Newcastle, NSW
2298

Website

https://www.calvarycare.org.au/public-hospital-mater-newcastle/

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