Island Hospital
 
Support Services
In addition to providing exceptional medical treatment, our goal as cancer specialists is to provide comprehensive individualized care by offering a wide range of support services designed to meet the unique needs of each cancer patient.

Personal Journal

As part of the comprehensive support provided by the Merle Cancer Care Center at Island Hospital, each patient is given a personal journal/educational notebook that provides a means of tracking treatments, progress and symptoms. Nursing staff review the notebook providing personalized information on an patient's therapy regimen and possible side effects. The notebook also contains valuable information to help guide cancer patients through their treatment including contact information, cancer care resources and a glossary of cancer terms.
 

Patient Navigator

  The Patient Navigator Program is a complimentary service that expands the oncology support provided by the Merle Cancer Care Center. We recognize that a diagnosis of cancer often leaves patients and families overwhelmed and uncertain how to proceed. The Patient Navigator guides you through the various aspects of treatment and connects you with resources.

The Patient Navigator can:
  • Advocate for you within the healthcare system
  • Connect you and your family to resources and support services such as home care services, hospice services, nutrition services, transportation and accommodations
  • Provide access to financial support for medications and co-payments
  • Enhance your quality of life, sense of autonomy and emotional wellbeing
  • Facilitate communication between you and your healthcare providers
  • Provide information about your diagnosis and treatment

Contact Patient Navigator Jon Prescott at (360) 588-2082 or jprescott@islandhospital.org.
 
 

American Cancer Society Programs

At Island Hospital we have the following American Cancer Society programs available:
  • Look Good... Feel Better - A monthly class in which a trained cosmetologist teaches women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss. Cosmetics and skin care products are given as free gifts by the cosmetic industry. Women can also learn ways to use wigs and scarves to disguise hair loss.
  • Reach to Recovery - This program pairs breast cancer survivors with a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient for support.
  • Road to Recovery - This program assists patients in finding transportation for doctor's appointments and treatments.

For more information, we encourage you to visit www.cancer.org, the website of the American Cancer Society that provides a comprehensive collection of topics and services.