Accommodation services
We provide accommodation at no cost (where possible) in our Blood Cancer Centres for patients and families who need to travel to a major city hospital for cancer treatment.
This service helps relieve the stress and financial burden of finding a place to stay while attending important medical appointments. Accommodation is available for people who may need to spend weeks or months away from home while receiving treatment.
- If you’re receiving treatment as an outpatient, you and some family members can stay together in one of our Blood Cancer Centres so you don’t have to travel far to reach the hospital.
- If you’re staying in hospital as an inpatient, we can offer accommodation for some family members so they can stay nearby and provide support.
Need help?
Accommodation support for people with cancer
The Leukaemia Foundation provides accommodation in 10 Blood Cancer Centres across Australia. These accommodation services are funded through generous donations from our community supporters and government subsidies.
Our Blood Cancer Centres provide accommodation in most capital cities.
ACT
John James Blood Cancer Centre, Garran, Canberra
NSW
Leukaemia Foundation Patient and Family Accommodation Complex, Westmead
QLD
Clem Jones-Sunland Blood Cancer Centre, Coopers Plains, Brisbane
QLD
ESA Blood Cancer Centre, Dutton Park, Brisbane
QLD
Freemasons Blood Cancer Centre, Townsville
QLD
Phillip Desbrow Blood Cancer Centre, Herston, Brisbane
QLD
Village Green Blood Cancer Centre, Bowen Hills, Brisbane
SA
Bridgestone Blood Cancer Centre, Lightsview, Adelaide
VIC
Building of Hope Blood Cancer Centre, North Melbourne
WA
Stirling Cross Blood Cancer Centre, Innaloo, Perth
Our Blood Cancer Centres offer studios, and two- and three-bedroom apartments, allowing patients and their families to stay together during treatment. These are often located in village-style complexes with common areas such as gardens, games rooms and lounges where families can connect with each other.
Providing accommodation for relatives of patients within a welcoming community environment also helps carers feel more supported as they navigate life with cancer.
Each apartment is a home-away-from-home for patients while they undergo treatment. Our fully furnished apartments include bedding and linen, and are self-contained so people can cook the meals they enjoy.
We also have trained support staff on hand to offer more practical and emotional support. Requests for accommodation can be submitted through our application form. This can be completed by a patient, family member, carer or healthcare professional.
Eligibility criteria and costs
Who is eligible for the accommodation service?
To be eligible for accommodation support, a patient must be:
- Diagnosed with a blood cancer or related blood disorder, or another type of cancer
- Requesting accommodation in relation to their treatment
- Eligible for their state or territory Patient Accommodation and Travel Scheme (PATS), or meet the distance requirements for their state or territory PATS
- From a regional, rural or remote area, or requiring treatment far from home
- Accompanied by an adult carer who is 18 years or older for the duration of their stay. This requirement applies for patients of all ages.
- Requiring accommodation for four nights or more
Who can stay in a blood cancer centre?
People with cancer and their loved ones can stay in a blood cancer centre subject to availability and meeting the eligibility criteria.
The maximum number of people who can stay in a unit overnight is based on the number of physical beds provided and must not exceed this number due to fire safety regulations.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in our centres. Service animals will be accepted – please mention this when applying so appropriate arrangements can be made.
How are requests assessed?
We’ll assess requests individually and consider personal circumstances such as the level of need, alternative support available and distance from the hospital where treatment will occur. The outcome of each request will also depend on our capacity to offer support, apartment availability and other factors.
How much will it cost to stay at a blood cancer centre?
As long as they meet the eligibility criteria, people with cancer and their loved ones can stay at a blood cancer centre free of charge.
What if there are no apartments available?
If we’re at capacity, we may refer patients to one of our preferred accommodation providers. Although patients will be liable for any costs associated with staying at these facilities, a partial reimbursement may be available from PATS in their state or territory. Please liaise with their offices directly regarding these costs.
Please call 1800 620 420 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to provide additional information about our accommodation service and application process.