2011 Cancer Program - Augusta Health

Registered Dietitians present several community and staff education sessions on cancer prevention and recommendations.
Augusta Health’s oncology dietitian is a Board Certifi ed Specialist in Oncology Nutrition, a member of the Cancer Committee,
and a member of the oncology multidisciplinary team.
NURSING TREATMENT CENTER
The Nursing Treatment Center provides care to patients who need a nursing service but do not qualify for home health or inpatient
admission. Patients from the Augusta Health Cancer Center are able to receive such services as IV fl uid administration,
blood transfusions and injections in the Nursing Treatment Center.
WOUND HEALING CLINIC
The Augusta Health Wound Healing Clinic provides a team approach to the wound healing process, where the team treats not
only the wound, but also provides the specialists, education and support necessary to treat the underlying disease process.
The Wound Healing Clinic is a partnership with the patient’s primary care physician, and updates are provided to the physician
after each visit.
The Wound Healing Clinic
helps heal chronic, non-healing
wounds faster by treating
the cause and applying
evidence-based, medical and
surgical techniques that are
outcome focused and costeff
ective. Treatment methods
include:
■ Advanced wound
dressings
■ Vacuum Assisted
Closure
■ Bioengineered Tissue
■ Debridement
■ Wraps to decrease
lower leg swelling
A physician on staff in the clinic
evaluates every patient, coordinating
with other medical
specialists as needed.
The team consists of wound care certifi ed nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists, diabetic educators and other resources for
a full continuum of care. Teamwork, coordinated care, advanced technologies and excellent outcomes are all found in one
convenient location.
AUGUSTA COMMUNITY CARE
Augusta Community Care is a division of Augusta Health and encompasses a wide range of services that includes Augusta
Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, Augusta Home Health and Care Home Medical. Augusta Community Care’s goal is to be
the provider of choice for any health-related services. Augusta Community Care works in partnership with Augusta Health
and its physicians and other health care professionals to provide community-based services of high quality, value and satisfaction.
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THE SHENANDOAH HOUSE
The Shenandoah House is a home-like facility where care is
provided for patients who are at the end of life. The House was
a collaborative eff ort between the community and Augusta
Health. Home cooked meals, a warm fi replace, the smell of
fresh baked cookies and the opportunity to look out of a window
to see nature are all of the things the Shenandoah House
provides. The residence has four bedrooms that all have a cozy
appearance, like that of a bedroom in a private home. This year,
through October, 65 residents have been cared for at Shenandoah
House. The Hospice of the Shenandoah Community Advisory
Board provides for those who cannot aff ord to stay in the
home though a Gifted Care program funded by donations and
fund-raising events. Through October 2011, 64% of the care
given at the Shenandoah House was paid for by the Gifted Care
program.
AUGUSTA HEALTH HOSPICE
OF THE SHENANDOAH
Augusta Health’s Hospice of the Shenandoah’s services are provided
to patients who choose comfort care and support at the
end of life. In order to qualify for these services, a doctor has to
state that the patient has a prognosis of 6 months or less. Hospice
of the Shenandoah provides care to both patients and their
families. The bereavement program provides support to patient
families for 13 months after the death of their loved ones. The
Hospice of the Shenandoah staff and the 150 volunteers, who give time and talents to the program, reside in the community.
In 2011, three new services were added to Hospice of the Shenandoah’s programs: Pet Visitation, Massage Therapy and a
special program for Veterans.
AUGUSTA HOME HEALTH
Augusta Home Health Care emphasizes family involvement to help designated care givers fi nd ways to manage the care of
the patient. Many therapies once provided in a hospital setting can be eff ectively managed at home.
Nurses in Home Care have completed extra training with the cooperation of the Oncology Department in the administration
of chemotherapy, providing better continuity of care between the hospital and home. Physical, Occupational and Speech
therapies are available through Augusta Home Health if the patient requires rehabilitation related to a decrease in functional
abilities. Social Services off ers help in resource management, support and problem solving. Home Health aides provide
per¬sonal care assistance for patients.
The patient’s nurse or on-call designee can be reached seven days a week, 24 hours a day for referrals or patient concerns.
Palliative care is now available for those patients who are not eligible for hospice. The patient is admitted as a home health
patient for symptom and pain management using the expertise of a hospice nurse as the care manager. Other hospice counseling
services are also available for these patients when identifi ed through the care planning process.
CARE HOME MEDICAL
Augusta Health Care Home Medical provides respiratory and home medical equipment support by professional respiratory
therapists and skilled equipment technicians. Inventory includes a wide range of technologically advanced equipment and
supplies that meet virtually every home health care need. Quality products and services are fundamental to Care Home Medical—products
and services meet stringent quality medical standards established by regulatory and governmental agencies
such as The Joint Commission, Medicare and the Federal Drug Administration.
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
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