Accommodation facilities & Living arrangements

Accommodation for up to 58 patients and their carers are Ozanam House. The guests are cancer patients receiving treatment at Palmerston North Hospital and possibly an accompanying carer or relative.

Centrally heated throughout and furnished to the highest standards of home comfort, Ozanam House provides comfort, privacy, and an atmosphere where personal health problems are understood and accepted.

Living areas

Beautiful lounges in each block provide an atmosphere of perfect relaxation. Television, videos, books, games and radios are in the lounges, but there is sufficient room to find a peaceful and private corner. There is also a recreation room with facilities which are very popular.

Bedrooms

Each bedroom has twin beds and an ensuite bathroom. All are tastefully furnished with ample wardrobe and drawer space. Bathrooms are equipped with handrails and non skid surfaces. Bed linen and towels are provided.

Kitchen and dining

A fully equipped kitchen and dining area is situated close to each patient's bedroom area. Ample room is provided in the well equipped kitchens for meal preparation, serving, and storing food. Small individual refrigerators are provided for each guest together with storage facilities. Guests cook their own meals to suit their needs. Dining areas give a "family atmosphere".

Laundry

There is a weekly laundry service for linen, which is provided. Well equipped laundries with automatic washing machines and dryers are available for guests for their personal washing.

Ozanam House grounds

A sheltered and paved courtyard has been named "Lions Court" in recognition of that organisation which has raised money for three of the extensions. The grounds around the building are attractively set out. Off street parking is provided for guests cars.

Cancer patients' living arrangements

Guests use Ozanam House just as they would their own home with freedom to come and go as they please.

Ozanam House doesn't have an institutional atmosphere, mainly because there are no residential staff. Because of this some of the routine work of a home is done voluntarily by the guests who normally keep their own rooms tidy, wash their dishes and do light housework when it is necessary. A house keeper comes in daily for heavier chores.

A completely unobtrusive watch is kept on guest welfare. Help is always available. Admission to hospital is always arranged when necessary. The administrator is available for talking over any problems in confidence.

A car is available for those who need transport to and from the hospital and bookings are made for road, rail and air travel when required.