New breast care coordinator ensures seamless care

From the time patients get an abnormal mammogram to the day they go into remission, R.N. Pat Thornton personally guides them through a treatment process that can often be confusing and frightening.

As Chesapeake Regional’s new breast care case manager, Thornton also works closely with physicians to ensure they are updated as fast as possible on all aspects of their patients’ treatment.

“I lessen the workload for the patients and physicians,” said Thornton, who is a certified oncology nurse. “I work with the radiologists, oncologists, surgeons and referring physicians to advocate for the patient and help the communication flow. And I also help the patient through the process.”

Her goal is to provide Breast Center patients at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center’s Breast Center with a seamless process.

She’s already well on her way. In the first three months since her arrival, patients have received faster access to diagnostic testing and physicians have received quicker feedback on their patient’s treatment progress.

Thornton’s office is located at the breast center in CRMC’s Diagnostic Center of Chesapeake. The comprehensive breast center includes mammography with ImageChecker technology and stereotactic biopsy, CT, bone densitometry, ultrasound, full-service laboratory offerings and other radiology services.

The oncology nurse works in partnership with staff at Chesapeake Regional’s Sidney M. Oman Cancer Treatment Center, which has some of the most sophisticated cancer treatment equipment in the country.

To contact Thornton or receive more information on CRMC’s breast center, call 312.2232.