Supportive Care

Inpatient Oncology


When hospitalization is necessary, our inpatient oncology unit is dedicated to caring for cancer patients. Located on the fourth floor of the main hospital, the well-appointed unit features seven private rooms, six semi-private rooms, and a common area designed for family and visitors. The goal of the unit’s specially trained staff is to provide exceptional care for cancer patients and their families.


Pain Control & Management


When the oral medications prescribed for pain are ineffective, other pain control measures are available, including nerve blocks, and the direct infusion of medication into the spine. PCH has an array of pain management techniques, and is the only cancer center in the area to provide complete pain management support for most types of cancer.



“With advanced techniques, there is no reason for cancer pain to go untreated.”

— Kenneth J. Parker, M.D.
Anesthesiology


Nutrition Services

The goal of the Nutrition Services Department is to educate patients on the importance of nutrition. Registered dietitians offer consultation and assessments for inpatients and outpatients who are experiencing nutritional difficulties due to cancer. A well-balanced, healthy diet that may include supplements is designed for each patient. Patients can return for consultation up to one year after discharge to continue nutritional assessment.

“We try to be as accommodating to cancer patients as possible because nutritional health will enhance the success of their treatment.”

— Jeanne Schmauss, R.D.
Nutrition Services


Social Services

“Health care is changing. Having the technology and having access to it are two different things. We are here to help patients gain access to the advanced technology that is available.”

— Rosalie Owrey, M.S., L.C.S.W., L.P.C.
Social Services

The network of social services experts at PCH is often an invaluable resource for cancer patients. They help patients and their families adjust to and understand a cancer diagnosis, while offering counseling, financial planning, and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. They also help patients access community resources, and assist in preparation of living wills and medical power of attorney documents.


PCH Home Health

Home health care enables patients to remain in the comfort of their homes while receiving treatment, and it is much less expensive than inpatient hospitalization. Home health nurses work as a link between the patient and the physician, providing consultations and home visits.
Working closely with Clinic IV, they provide pain control and management with infusion pumps, nutritional assistance with tube feeding and supplements, and intravenous chemotherapy. The nurses also provide home care education and support for patients and families. PCH Home Health is JCAHO accredited and Medicare certified.

Hospice

Any patient who has been diagnosed with a terminal disease and does not desire curative treatment or artificial life support qualifies for hospice care. PCH works closely with Hospice Care of the Virginias to arrange hospice services for those who want them. Hospice Care of the Virginias provides a variety of services in the home setting, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay, and is Medicare certified.

Spiritual Support

Throughout the different phases of cancer, patients and families often experience feelings of anger, depression and hopelessness. Through pastoral care, patients don’t have to deal with these feelings on their own. Chaplain Steve Lilly is available to offer emotional and spiritual support and encouragement to patients and their loved ones. He works with the whole family, helping them assess their internal resources for dealing with the disease in a more hopeful way.


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