| Patient Navigation Program Starts at Dobbs Ferry and St. John's Riverside Hospital
The American Cancer Society and St. John's Riverside Hospital are proud to announce the expansion of the patient navigation program at both the Andrus and Dobbs Ferry Pavilions of St. John's. This effort seeks to guide cancer patients through the emotional, logistical and even financial complications of the healing and treatment process. Volunteer patient navigators spend their time in hospitals helping newly diagnosed cancer patients - as well as survivors and caregivers - identify resources for financial assitance, medication needs, and home health care. they also provide referrals to support groups, and offer activities that might ensure a better quality of life and help patients cope with illness.
"No one needs to travel the cancer journey alone. Linking a newly-diagnosed patient with a navigator -- who is a cancer survivor-- can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional and social well being, greatly improving prospects for a more positive outcome," said Rick Lepkowski, Regional Vice President of the American Cancer Society. "We are thrilled to partner with St. John's, which only strengthens the quality of care patients receive."
St. John's patient navigation program has been in operation since May 12th, welcoming five volunteers navigators each week for two or three days. The Dobbs Ferry Pavilion of St. John's just recently began its own patient navigation initiative on July 7th, with two navigators coming in on Wednesdays and Fridays. To date, these programs have served 68 patients at St. John's and eight at Dobbs Ferry. |
