Cancer patient program offered at more locations

6/10/2014
BLADE STAFF

Six new ProMedica hospitals have been certified as providers of the Survivorship Training and Rehabilitation program for cancer patients.

Those in the Toledo area include the Perrysburg Medical Center, Flower Hospital, Fostoria Community Hospital, and St. Luke’s Hospital. The program aims to help patients overcome pain, fatigue, and mild cognitive impairments, among other effects of cancer treatment.

In the last two years, Oncology Rehab Partners has certified more than 100 nurses, therapists, dietitians, and social workers at ProMedica. Each completed more than 25 hours of online training, program coordinator Karen Martin said.

Since ProMedica first offered the program at its Bixby hospital in 2012, the company has expanded it to 10 locations in Ohio and Michigan, as part of its Total Rehab program.

Sherry Flores-Killy, who underwent treatment for face and tongue cancer in 2011, went to a ProMedica speech therapist, physical therapist, and dietitian.

Over the course of a year, they helped her control the swelling in her neck and return to a normal diet after she removed her feeding tube.

“I needed the motivation and the push,” Mrs. Flores-Killy said. “They took the time to listen, instead of just going through the motions.”

Mercy Health Partners has the program in Toledo at its St. Vincent and Sunforest Court locations.

— Maya Averbuch