Patient Navigation for Cancer Sevices

500 W. 4th Street • Odessa, TX 79761 (432) 640-6000

www.mchodessa.com

First-Class Care, Close to Home

Medical Center Hospital was first to introduce the Patient Navigation concept to the Permian Basin in April 2010. Since then, navigation has emerged as an important part of patient-focused care. Our Nurse Navigator is specially trained to help patients and their loved ones “navigate” the healthcare system to ensure they receive first-class care right here at home.

The Nurse Navigator’s primary responsibilities are to ease the burden on patients and their families and to assist the efforts of the medical team. At no cost to the patient, the Nurse Navigator will:

• Guide patients through the medical experience • Provide emotional support during stressful times • Support patients through the healthcare experience during further diagnosis and treatment • Connect patients with community resources, support and education • Assist in getting answers to important questions

Who is the Nurse Navigator?

The Nurse Navigator at Medical Center Hospital is an experienced registered nurse trained in oncology and palliative care. With a physician’s referral, our Nurse Navigator helps patients get through pivotal times after they’ve been diagnosed, while they are undergoing treatment and through survivorship. The Nurse Navigator works with patients who come to Medical Center Hospital for treatment. There is no fee for this service, however a physician referral is required.

Who can benefit from Navigation?

Breast Cancer Navigation Patients are referred to navigation by their physician after receiving an abnormal mammogram or when diagnosed with breast cancer. Digital mammography appointments are available in two locations with weekend appointments available. New technology including Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is available through MCH Women’s Imaging Center. Survivorship support will be provided as needed until completion of cancer treatments.

Survivorship Support Support groups are vital and play an important role in overall healing of the mind, body and spirit. “On with Life,” a breast cancer support group sponsored by Medical Center Hospital, is our way of staying connected as we walk this survivor journey together.

MCHS Promotes Early Detection of Lung Cancer

Medical Center Health System (MCHS) is the third hospital in Texas to be designated as a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance. Symptoms for lung cancers are difficult to detect in early stages, making this cancer hard to treat. Up until recently, there have not been screening tools made available to the public – meaning a diagnosis often came too late for many patients living with this disease. There is now a screening test to detect lung cancer in its earliest stages for people who have been, or who currently are heavy smokers. Called a Low-Dose CT Scan, it is offered to patients at an affordable rate following national guidelines. For more information about our Lung Cancer Screening, call Patient Navigation or visit www.mchodessa.com.

Lung Cancer Navigation Lung Cancer is the number one cause of death in America. The primary cause of cancer is cigarette smoking. West Texas has one of the highest populations per capita of smoking and tobacco usage in the state. Lung cancer can occur in non-smokers, or may not be related to smoking. However, not smoking is generally the best way to reduce the number of cases in our community. Our Nurse Navigator can offer vital support and help identify resources for patients and family members during cancer treatment.

Colorectal Cancer Our Nurse Navigator also works to connect patients who have been newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to a trained ostomy nurse. Our ostomy nurses provide patients with specialized education on how to deal with colostomy or ileostomy care. Our goal is to support the patient and family as they adapt to life changes and support them in their cancer journey.

How does Navigation assist you?

• Advocacy — We strive to remove barriers for optimal care for cancer patients. Referrals to community resources remove barriers such as transportation, lodging, financial and medication assistance.

• Education — The Nurse Navigator serves the patient, community and region by providing education on preventive care and risk factors that may increase survivability if an individual develops cancer. MCHS offers a smoking cessation program to the community to support people who wish to quit smoking.

• Survivorship Support — an individual is considered a cancer survivor the day they are told of their cancer. Family and close friends are considered co-survivors. Navigation teaches coping skills to reduce anxiety and promote a positive attitude, which is important for a favorable outcome. Support groups are offered in the area, for more information, call (432) 640-1578 or visit www.mchodessa.com.

Being visited by the navigator after surgery, It was a like a ray of sunshine. That was when

I needed someone to talk to… – D. Coleman

My cancer group is so wonderful. We laugh, we cry, we pray. We respect each other and

mostly we understand… – B. Mendoza

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I just didn’t know what to do. Thank goodness for my patient navigator. She took me by the hand and helped me get through this critical time in my life. – N. Rangel

Lorita KelleyRN, OCN, Patient Navigator