Cancer Society of New Zealand

Accommodation

 

Accommodation during cancer treatment

Margaret Stewart House

The Cancer Society's Margaret Stewart House provides accommodation, companionship and support to out-of-town cancer patients who are facing extended time away from home whilst undergoing treatment at the Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre.  Free or part-charge accommodation is offered to people having to travel for cancer treatment

Conveniently located in the grounds of Wellington Regional Hospital, Margaret Stewart House is within easy walking distance of the treatment centre.  The atmosphere is relaxed with friendly and understanding staff and guests are free to come and go as they please

 

Who Can Stay at Margaret Stewart House?

• Adult cancer patients, who live outside the 100km radius from Wellington Regional Hospital, are able to stay while undergoing cancer treatment.
• Patients who live inside the 100km radius can only be accepted under exceptional circumstances.  If you do not qualify, our Transport to Treatment service may be able to help you.  Please contact us to find out more.
• Each patient is welcome to have one support person / caregiver stay with them providing they are able to share a room.  Please note children under 18 years of age are unable to stay with patients or supporters/caregivers, but are welcome to visit.
• All patients staying at Margaret Stewart House need to be able to look after themselves individually or with the help of a supporter/caregiver.
• People who are undergoing cancer treatment and are ineligible to claim financial assistance for travel and/or accommodation under the Ministry of Health National Travel Assistance Policy may be assisted.
• Charges may apply for a family member/support person to stay.

 

Reservations and Referrals

Accommodation referrals and reservations are made through hospital departments and Wellington Blood & Cancer Centre. Once a referral has been received a letter will be sent confirming your booking at Margaret Stewart House

 

Accommodation Costs

Patients

Accommodation for people with cancer having treatment is provided free of charge by the Cancer Society Wellington for patients travelling over 100km for treatment eligible for a Ministry of Health Travel and Accommodation subsidy.  Your referring health specialist will need to complete a Travel and Accommodation Form and send it to the Ministry of Health prior to the start of treatment.

Supporters/Caregivers

Accommodation for supporters/caregivers is provided free of charge in most cases. However a subsidised charge of $25 per supporter/caregiver per night is made if the patient is not eligible for a Ministry of Health Travel and Accommodation subsidy.

 

The accommodation offers…

• Units with twin or double beds, en suite bathroom, television, telephone, and facilities for tea and coffee.
• Self-contained family units.
• Shared kitchens, dining and living areas.
• A comfortable lounge for indoor-outdoor.
• A restful place for day patients.
• A quiet room.
• An activities room.
• A guest laundry with full facilities.
• Limited off-street parking.
• Easy walking distance to the treatment centre and within reasonable walking distance of Newtown shops

 

Support at Margaret Stewart House

For Margaret Stewart House guests having cancer treatment there are a variety of support services available nearby at the Cancer Society to help you during your stay.

• Experienced cancer nurses are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your cancer and treatment
• A team of professionally qualified counsellors available to help people with cancer and their family/whanau in adjusting to the emotional impact of cancer
• Relaxation massage by trained therapists is offered to people having cancer treatment to help with physical and emotional well-being
• Our specialised cancer library offers people a quiet place to find information about cancer with books carefully selected especially for people affected by cancer.

To make an appointment please call us on 04 389 8421 or to find out more call the Cancer Information Helpline on 0800 CANCER (226 237).

 

Additional Information 

 

Margaret Stewart House is Smokefree 

The House Supervisor is assisted by Cancer Society volunteers. All referrals to Margaret Stewart House are made via the Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre on 04 385 5999 ext. 5303 (office hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4pm).

 

Contact Us
House Supervisor, Edwina Tyree
Margaret Stewart House
16 Hospital Road, Wellington
P (04) 380 0300
F (04) 380 0389
E admin.msh@xtra.co.nz