Diagnosing and treating the physical symptoms of cancer are only part of the quality care services that are offered by Southlake's Regional Cancer Centre team. Attending to a patient's emotional, social, and spiritual needs at every stage of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and in the final stages of life, is an equally important part of ensuring the best possible care for cancer patients and their families. Supportive services Southlake provides a range of oncology services dedicated to supporting patients and their families through diagnosis and treatment. Support resources at the Cancer Centre include social workers, diet and nutrition counseling, patient education programs, support groups, a pharmacy and a Patient & Family Library. Community Cancer Clinic This out-patient clinic requires a physician's referral and offers the following services close to home for cancer patients:
Patients are encouraged to involve a support person or family member during the treatment process. Self-Assessment Program As part of the Regional Cancer Centre, Southlake extends in-Hospital support services for cancer patients in the community, using modern technology. With a computer or telephone, out-patients have the opportunity to participate in a self-assessment questionnaire to evaluate their quality of life in the areas of nutrition, exercise, relationships and plans for the future. Those whose scores indicate a need for follow-up are referred to Southlake’s support team. Mental Wellness Screening Program As many as one out of every four cancer patients will experience clinically significant distress that persists over time and affects their ability to function and cope with diagnosis and treatment. The Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake has launched a new, electronic screening tool designed to pinpoint cancer patients at risk of or suffering from undiagnosed anxiety and depression. Once identified, the patients benefit from a more detailed assessment and treatment regime at the hands of an extended support team of Hospital social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a powerful technique to improve well-being and reduce stress symptoms. This program has been specifically tailored at the Regional Cancer Program at Southlake to meet the needs of cancer patients. Cancer Care Guide Initiative The Cancer Care Guide Initiative matches every new cancer patient with one of four guides trained in each of the most common cancer types - lung, breast, prostate and colorectal. These professionals support the patient through the entire continuum of care and are available to help explain a test or treatment, complete referrals to Southlake's support professionals, connect to community-based services and support groups, and offer support, understanding and encouragement. Cancer Survivor Support Program Advances in diagnosis and treatment mean people are surviving cancer much longer than ever before. With extended care, though, come heightened levels of anxiety and helplessness about what might follow. The Cancer Survivor Support Program assists recovering patients with help in starting a new life without cancer. Patient/Family Counseling Patient/Family Counseling may be available to patients and their families who may be experiencing emotional difficulties while dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Spiritual Care Spiritual needs are different for each individual. For some it is having someone to pray with, for others it is simply having someone to talk to. Spiritual Care at Southlake is available to all patients and their family or friends regardless of their faith or belief system and provides for the spiritual, emotional, and religious needs of patients, their families and staff 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Palliative Care Palliative Care is the term used to describe the compassionate treatment of individuals and families who are facing a life-threatening illness. At Southlake, palliative care practices are based on providing each patient and their loved ones with respect, dignity, and an individualized care plan that meets their specific needs in symptom management, preparation for end-of-life, loss, grief, and bereavement. Palliative Care patients are dispersed throughout the Regional Cancer Program’s in-patient unit and are cared for by a compassionate team of healthcare professionals who have received specialty training in palliative care practices. The team, lead by Dr. Nancy Merrow, Chief of Staff and Medical Director of Palliative Care, includes physicians, and advanced practice nurse, nurses, a social worker, a pharmacist, a physiotherapist, a chaplain, volunteers, a dietitian, and other professionals. The unit offers a home-like environment that includes access to a large patient/family lounge, beautiful rooftop terrace, kitchen facilities, and a quiet room. The focus is on maximizing the quality of life and ensuring the dignity of the patient and the family. Cots for overnight stays are provided for family members who wish to stay with their loved ones and planned pet visits are welcomed.