Patient Navigator

Chesapeake Regional Medical Center has joined together with the American Cancer Society to bring a "Patient Navigator" to the Sidney M. Oman Cancer Treatment Center at the Chesapeake General Hospital. The position is partially funded with donations received through the Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation.

CGH is the only hospital in Virginia to offer the program and only the second in the nation.

Patient Navigators are trained healthcare professionals who provide support throughout cancer diagnosis and the treatment process.

Serving in the position at CGH is Ellie Duarte, formerly the mission delivery manager at the Hampton Roads’ chapter of the American Cancer Society. She started her job as Navigator in November 2005. Since then Ellie has worked with more than 125 patients.

Meet Ellie

Ellie Duarte

Ellie is someone who can truly empathize with cancer patients because she knows first-hand what it is like to cope with the disease. Not only is she a fourth-stage colon, but her husband is a kidney cancer survivor, as well. The couple have been cancer free for nearly 10 years.

In her new position, Ellie makes contact with each cancer patient at CGH, whether they are in-patient or out-patient. She speaks to them in person or by a telephone call. When she talks to them, she starts by telling them about herself. Once they hear she is a cancer survivor their body language or voice changes and they become more alert and are eager to hear what she has to say.

"It's a wonderful bonding experience, they become your friend," said Ellie.

Most patients Ellie sees receives some type of service, whether it be reimbursement for gas, transportation, pain or nausea medications or just someone to confide in.

When a patient asks for help, Ellie does whatever it takes. One patient called and said he was not strong enough to rake the pine needles in his yard and was unable to take out the trash can each week. Ellie got a group of volunteers to come out to help with those chores. While they were there, one noticed that his house needed painting so they did that, too.

Another patient knew that Ellie had a fish pond in her yard. The man had some koi that he could no longer care for. Ellie is caring for them until he is feeling well. Recently, Ellie sent the gentleman a birthday card from his fish, saying they miss him and can't wait to come home.

Read about of one of Ellie's days as Patient Navigator.

What does a Patient Navigator do?

• Identify resources for financial assistance, home health care and insurance issues.
  
• Encourage patients to investigate all sources of cancer information and seek a second opinion if they are not comfortable with their physician.
  
• Locate community support programs and educational materials.
  
• Assist in navigating the healthcare system.
  
• Arrange for language translation or interpretation services.
  
• Arrange transportation to and from doctors’ visits.
  
• Arrange for child/elder care.

For more information call 757.312.6294.