After experiencing exceptional cancer care, Angela is giving back to the hospital that supported her when she needed it most.
Angela Bailey has been part of The Bays community since December, when she spent a week in hospital and received her breast cancer diagnosis. This week, she began radiotherapy at Icon Cancer Centre within The Bays Cancer Care Centre and is now just over two weeks away from completing her treatment.
Having spent time in other hospitals over the years, Angela arrived at The Bays without concern, but did not expect to be so deeply impressed.
“I thought I’d been spoilt elsewhere,” she said. “I didn’t imagine The Bays could be even better.”
One moment stands out clearly in her memory. Angela recalls her surgeon, Belinda Brown, sitting on her bed and holding her hand while explaining her diagnosis. “That meant everything to me,” she said. “There were many reassuring moments, but that one I’ll never forget.”
Angela also speaks warmly about the support she received from The Bays’ McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who provided reassurance, information and continuity of care during an overwhelming time. Their presence helped her feel supported not just clinically, but emotionally, as she navigated her diagnosis and treatment.
For Angela, it was the attention to detail that made a profound difference. Due to dietary limitations, eating had become difficult, but the kitchen team went out of their way to support her. Staff checked in regularly, adapted meals to suit her needs, and ensured her food was both manageable and appealing.
“The kitchen staff were incredible,” Angela said. “They genuinely cared about helping me eat.”
As a former nurse, Angela jokes that she is a “dangerous” patient, but says the care she received was amazing and made her feel completely safe and confident.
“The staff were happy, attentive, and nothing was ever too much trouble,” she said. “I could even use my brand of humour and they still smiled!”
Now undergoing radiotherapy at Icon Cancer Centre within The Bays Cancer Care Centre, Angela says her experience has left a lasting impact.
“I couldn’t have had better care,” she said. “I tell people how good this hospital is, and I want to support it however I can.”
Angela has since become a Bays member, continuing her connection with the hospital that supported her at a vulnerable time.
How you can help
The Bays is a not-for-profit community-owned hospital and receives no direct government funding. Support from people like Angela, and from generous donors in our community, helps ensure we can continue to provide exceptional, compassionate care and invest in the latest equipment and services for patients when they need it most.
If Angela’s story has inspired you, please consider becoming a Bays member or making a donation to support patients and families across the Mornington Peninsula.