Palliative care is interdisciplinary, holistic, patient and family-centered care that optimizes quality of life. Palliative care is available locally for cancer patients through the Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center. Types of palliative care services and providers available for cancer patients are described below.

Pain and Non-Pain Symptom Management – Putnam County Hospital cancer patients receive pain relief and symptom management in cooperation with patient wishes. At each clinic visit, pain and non-pain symptoms such as nausea and anxiety are assessed by board-certified medical oncologist, Dr. Sameer Ahmed, as well as by oncology-certified registered nurses. When needed, the Cancer Center coordinates patient referrals to various disciplines such as pain management, cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory care, and radiation therapy either at the Hospital or in near-by facilities.

Advance Care Planning – Tammy Hunter, BASW, is a certified Advance Care Planning facilitator and is available to help patients and their families plan for future healthcare decisions. Advance care planning helps patients complete legal advance directive documents such as a healthcare representative form and a living will. Choosing a healthcare representative allows a person to name a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions should the person become unable to make decisions for him or herself due to a serious illness or condition. 

Psychosocial Support for Patients and Families – Cancer Center staff screen all new patients using a “Distress Thermometer,” a tool recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. If there is distress related to physical, financial, or social problems that interfere with their ability to participate fully in their healthcare, a referral will be made to the appropriate community resource.

Nutrition Counseling – A registered dietician, Hannah Cline, meets individually with every cancer patient, providing education and addressing patient nutritional concerns. She is also available after discharge for nutritional needs that may arise.                                                         

Pastoral Care, Hospice Services and Bereavement Support – Referrals to these services will be made to offsite agencies as needed.