TWO local mothers are turning their own cancer journeys into a lifeline for others, launching a new support centre in the heart of the Bayside.
The Patient Approach Cancer and Wellness Centre will open in Cleveland on June 1, offering a one-stop hub for people undergoing treatment, recovering from cancer, or living with chronic illness.
Founded by Cleveland locals Stephanie Jones and Katie Palm, the centre was born out of their shared experience navigating cancer treatment while raising young families and the gaps they say still exist in the system.
“We built the centre we wish existed when we were going through treatment,” Stephanie said.
“Cancer patients are often travelling between multiple appointments across Brisbane while trying to manage treatment, side effects, work, and family.
“We wanted to create one place where people could access the support they need, close to home.”
The centre will bring a wide range of allied health and support services together under one roof, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, dietetics, lymphoedema therapy, massage, reflexology, and counselling.
It will also offer care coordination and peer support, with a focus on helping patients and families navigate what can often be an overwhelming and fragmented journey.
“When you’re going through treatment, the appointments, side effects and logistics can be overwhelming,” Katie said.
“We wanted to create a place where patients and families could find the support they need in one place.”
Set to service patients across the Redlands, Bayside and Greater Brisbane region, the centre aims to ease pressure on hospital-based services by providing coordinated care closer to home.
The launch builds on the broader vision behind The Patient Approach as a social enterprise focused on supporting people recovering from trauma, illness and life-changing diagnoses.
The concept was shaped by Katie’s own experiences, including multiple pregnancy losses and rare cancer diagnoses, and the challenges she faced accessing support services during treatment.
Stephanie and Katie hope the centre will become a vital community resource, offering both practical support and connection for those facing cancer.
Learn more or join the waitlist via the centre’s website or by contacting the service directly.
Contact [email protected] or visit thepatientapproach.com.au.
