CANCER CARE TEAM SERVICES

Ambulatory Care

Procedures performed in the outpatient unit include chemotherapy, injections, port flushes, blood and blood product transfusions, laboratory procedures, and some biopsy recovery.

Cancer Care Nurse

From the initial diagnostic testing through treatment and follow-up, the Cancer Care Nurse serves as a liaison between patients and physicians.

She provides continual support to patients and their families and offers information and assistance regarding cancer. In addition, she also helps patients navigate the treatment process and is a key point person for any questions that may arise. The Cancer Care Nurse also provides educational programs and screenings for southern Indiana residents and serves as a guide for support groups, hospice care and spiritual support.

Especially For Women

Our Especially For Women Shop provides women a comfortable environment to purchase specially fitted post-mastectomy and lumpectomy bras, breast prostheses, wigs, and more. The shop also carries a variety of lotions for patients undergoing radiation treatment. Our specially trained fitter meets with each patient privately to help him or her find and select the correct items. Items not readily available can be special-ordered.   

Hospice Care

Hospice is an interdisciplinary program that provides holistic terminal care to those facing a limited life expectancy. The program emphasizes home care with designated acute-care hospital beds as needed. It also addresses the emotional and spiritual needs of patients, as well as enhancing their overall quality of life.

Pastoral Care

Our Pastoral Care provides for the spiritual and religious needs of patients and their families during their stay. In 2001, pastoral care staff provided spiritual ministry to approximately 325 patients and family members.

Registered Dietitians

The registered dietitians assess, monitor, and evaluate the nutritional needs of patients during the treatment process. In addition, they educate patients and families on drug-nutrient interactions and methods to sustain nutritional needs as the patient faces common problems, such as anorexia, dry mouth, dysphagia, early satiety, mucositis, bloating, taste and smell changes, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, stomatitis, and indigestion.

The Resource Center

The Resource Center provides patients with health care information. With the assistance of our resource librarian, patients and their families can access a variety of resource materials, including books, pamphlets, videos, and audio cassettes that can be checked out. The Center also features Internet access and breast cancer screening capabilities.   

Social Services

Experienced social workers provide patients and their families counseling and support and offer assistance in planning a safe and appropriate discharge from the hospital. In addition, they provide referrals to home health agencies, arrange for hospital equipment to be used in the home, and assist in nursing home placements.