Clinical and Support Services for Cancer Patients
A cancer diagnosis comes with many questions and uncertainties. We at Milford Regional recognize that a caring multidisciplinary team of professionals can help you move forward and provide expert care, reassurance and comfort.
Clinical Services
Medical Oncology
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are anticancer treatments that are usually done in an outpatient infusion clinic. Should you require this therapy during a hospital stay, you would be able to receive this treatment as an inpatient. Oncology nurses have specialized training and are on staff to provide patient and family education, administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy and to collaborate with your oncologist and care team.
If you are a patient that has been prescribed an oral anti-cancer medication to be taken at home, there are several safety precautions that should be followed. Watch this video to learn more.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology is available at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center at Milford Regional. Should you require radiation treatment, the radiation oncologist collaborates with medical oncologists and/or surgeons to develop the best treatment plan for you. A linear accelerator can provide targeted radiation to a particular part of the body. In the event that you require radiation therapy while admitted to Milford Regional, transportation will be arranged by your care team to transport you to and from your appointment.
Milford Regional's fourth floor was designed
specifically with the care and treatment of our
cancer patients in mind.
Surgical Oncology
Specialty surgeons are on staff and are able to care for a wide range of oncological diagnoses. If further specialty care is required, we will assist with care coordination and facilitate transfer to another hospital for continuum of your care.
Genetics
Cancer genetics play a key role in assessing cancer risk, diagnosis and treatment. Genetic services are available with a geneticist and genetic counselors, as well as through cancer telegenetic options.
Breast Care
The Breast Center at Milford Regional is fully accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Under the guidance of a board-certified breast surgeon, Milford Regional offers a comprehensive surgical team including plastic and reconstructive surgery for a variety of breast cancer and breast diseases.
The Breast Center at Milford Regional can be reached by calling 508-482-5439.
Diagnostic Imaging
Milford Regional offers state-of-the-art imaging services in both the Medical Center and The Cancer Center including, but not limited to:
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Nuclear medicine and positive emission tomography (PET) scans
• Breast imaging: 3-D mammography, ultrasound and breast MRI
• MRI/ultrasound fusion technology for prostate cancer detection
• Blue light cystoscopy for bladder cancer detection.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized care for people living with a serious illness, such as cancer. Palliative care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of illness, and it is based on need, not prognosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Patients who are receiving palliative care may also receive treatment for their illness.
Palliative care specialists are available by referral as part of the multidisciplinary team and can coordinate care with your oncologist should the need arise.
Support Services
Cancer care is multidisciplinary; it requires a comprehensive approach to patient care. Support services are an integral part of that collaborative care.
Social Work
Inpatient and outpatient licensed clinical social workers provide support to you and your family during a complex and challenging time. A cancer diagnosis impacts your life, work and relationships. The clinical social worker can help with practical and emotional concerns at any time during diagnosis, treatment and care. Social workers at Milford Regional can be reached at extension 2470; at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center at Milford Regional, they can be reached at 508-488-3783.
Case Management
Case managers are registered nurses who are assigned to each patient floor to arrange and coordinate discharge planning. They can coordinate care with your oncology team, home care, rehabilitation and nursing home placement. Case managers at Milford Regional can be reached at extension 2470.
Nutrition
Nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment. A registered dietitian is available to both inpatients and outpatients to help manage side effects of treatment and recommend foods that enhance health and quality of life. Your doctor or nurse can consult a dietitian to help evaluate and develop a nutrition plan with you. A registered dietitian at Milford Regional can be reached at extension 2085.
Education
Newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families have many questions. Certified oncology nurses are available to answer questions and provide education about treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The Milford Regional oncology nurse educator/navigator works with your oncology team to provide education, continuity of care, communication between inpatient and outpatient care.
Pastoral Care
Spirituality or a particular faith may be a source of strength or comfort to you and your family during your illness. The chapel at Milford Regional is located on the first floor, and provides a peaceful place for quiet reflection. Chaplains of the pastoral care department are available for patients of all faiths and are
on site at Milford Regional Monday through Friday and on an on-call basis. Pastoral Care at Milford Regional can be reached at extension 2797; at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center at Milford Regional, they can be reached at 508-488-3743.
Cancer Care Helpful Phone Numbers