Cancer society pilot program brings patient “navigator” to CGH

Nov. 28, 2005 – In one of only a handful of similar programs nationally, Chesapeake General Hospital has joined with the American Cancer Society to locate a “Patient Navigator” at the hospital’s Sidney M. Oman Cancer Treatment Center.

In the pilot program, the ACS navigator will work with cancer patients at CGH to help them access information and resources and cope with their illness.

Serving in the position is Ellie Duarte, formerly the mission delivery manager at the Hampton Roads’ chapter of the American Cancer Society. She started her job as navigator Nov. 21.

In her role, Duarte will work to steer patients to the appropriate cancer society programs, services and information; as well as hospital and community resources. She has direct access to information on cancer types and treatment, national clinical trials, local screenings, area support groups and such programs as “Look Good, Feel Better,” “Reach to Recovery, Road to Recovery,” “I Can Cope,” “Man to Man” and others.

“Often, cancer patients aren’t aware of programs that would be beneficial to them,” explained Ruth Reiver, operations manager of Chesapeake General’s cancer treatment center. “Having a person to present this information one-on-one is important because generally patients won’t make that phone call to the ACS on their own.”

The pilot program is the only one like it in Hampton Roads. Eventually, the cancer society hopes to extend the program throughout the country.

Ellie can be reached by email at Ellie.Duarte@chealth.org.