The Oncology Suite at Johnson Memorial Health Services has passed inspection and is ready to start treating patients starting in August.
The results of the 2012 Community Needs Assessment showed the community was looking to JMHS to provide Oncology and Chemotherapy services. In fact 82% listed cancer as the most serious health concern in the community. Through outreach services in August of 2013 JMHS was able to add an oncologist to see patients in-house on a monthly basis. They then turned their focus on providing chemotherapy infusion services in-house as well.
Thanks to generous donations from the community totaling $15,980 and a $27,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Health, JMHS was able to create an Oncology Suite; becoming the only facility in Lac qui Parle County to offer chemotherapy infusion services.
The suite, located in the hospital, has a homey feel and features two heat and massage chairs with TV’s attached. There is also specialty coffees, hot chocolate and teas available as well as a variety of snacks. JMHS Administrator and CEO Kathy Johnson said “Chemotherapy infusion treatments often last several hours. It is very important they we make our patients and their guests as comfortable as possible. We are so pleased to be able to offer cancer patients the option of receiving their treatments closer to home.”
JMHS staff has been busy taking courses to become certified and qualified to provide chemotherapy treatments. In addition they all received hands-on experience at Prairie Lakes Cancer Center in Watertown, SD. JMHS has four Registered Nurses certified through the Oncology Nursing Society available to provide oncology infusion services.
To help celebrate their new service, JMHS invites you to join them on Thursday, August 14 from 2:00-4:00 pm for an Open House. Stop by and see the Oncology Suite, meet the staff and try out the heat and massage chairs. Coffee, cookies and lemonade will be served.
For more information please contact Angela Heyn, RN – Perioperative and Outreach Manager at 320-312-2122.