Highly acclaimed studies show that cancer patients do better, actually live longer, and generally have an easier experience -- if they feel supported by other people.
QVMC's cancer program offers patients and their families access to the most current cancer information, the best diagnostic techniques, and the most innovative treatment in one centralized, comfortable setting that's close to home.
No wonder, then, that oncology experts at the world's best known treatment centers are urging patients to stay in their own communities, near the support of family and friends, when expert care is available where they live.
In the region served by Queen of the Valley Medical Center, only the rarest forms of cancer needing the most experimental types of treatments are referred to university hospitals for care. Over 700 patients a year are able to receive expert cancer care right here in Napa from physicians and nurses who are often their friends and neighbors.
We are the only facility in Napa and Sonoma Counties approved by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer. The Commission surveys hospitals and cancer treatment centers nationwide and approves only those that meet its strict criteria for staffing, services and education. But beyond our professional accolades, the staff at the Queen is committed to quality of life.
Expert Care Every Step of the Way
Queen of the Valley's Community Cancer Program offers a complete range of cancer prevention, diagnostic and the latest treatment options, as well as a wide array of rehabilitation and support services.
Our caring, knowledgeable medical team includes board-certified medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and primary care physicians. Certified oncology nurses, social workers, psychologists, pharmacists, radiation therapists, physical therapists, dietitians and clergy round out the team. Supported by the latest technology and medications, they work together to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of cancer patients from initial diagnosis through recovery.
Our Health Library, located in the hospital, includes a wide selection of resources cancer, and cancer-related topics. Our staff believes in a high degree of communication between the doctor and patient and is willing to provide intense personal attention to everyone we treat.
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
In the 1970's, Queen of the Valley had one of the first whole-body CT scanners in Northern California. Today, we continue to provide the latest in imaging technology, such as digital mammography, which is only available in the nation's top medical facilities.
We also offer advanced technology in ultrasound, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET CT, eliminating the need to leave home for any cancer diagnosis.
BREAST CANCER AND EARLY DETECTION
Woman at risk of or concerned about breast cancer can take advantage of numerous prevention and early detection services available through our outstanding Women's Imaging Center .
Nurses and health educators offer personalized instruction in breast self-exam, lead classes on breast cancer prevention and organize community outreach programs to promote breast health awareness.
Mammograms and state-of-the-art stereotactic detection, a more comfortable alternative to surgical biopsy, are also available in the center. We now offer the addition of digital mammography, which is only available in 11% of the nation's medical facilities.
Because early detection offers the best chance of survival, the services located in the Women's Imaging Center give local women a convenient option for preventative care.
Mammograms and other breast health services are provided at no cost for under-insured and uninsured women through a partnership between California's Breast Cancer Early Detection Program and the Queen of the Valley Medical Center's Health Care for the Poor. For more information, call 257-4047.
CANCER WELLNESS
The mission of the Cancer Wellness Program is to help cancer patients transition to proactive cancer survivors that feel secure in body, mind and spirit. The 12-week program requires a physician referral and participants are fully supported by scholarships made possible through community donations and the QVMC Foundation. Participants work closely with a Physical Therapist or Registered Nurse, Stress Mastery Counselor, Registered Dietitian and Spiritual Care as needed. Cancer Wellness participants receive membership to Synergy Medical Fitness Center which includes access to group classes such as yoga, Pilates, meditation, aquatic exercise, and more. An art instructor also works with the participants to provide opportunities for participants to express their feelings and creativity.
LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT
Queen of the Valley Rehabilitation Services Dept. provides a highly-regarded and comprehensive lymphedema treatment program. Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants utilize a variety of lymphedema tools to reduce and control swelling following breast or other cancer surgery. Manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, compression garments, special exercises, and patient/caregiver education are some of the highly effective therapies. In the North Bay, only Queen of the Valley offers such a comprehensive program. Our medical center and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for treatment of Lymphedema. It is unusual for any community hospital to go to such lengths to prevent unnecessary suffering that can come from untreated lymphedema. Comprehensive post-breast cancer surgery rehabilitation is also available. For more information, call 257-4089 or 257-4047. View brochure.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Uninsured and under-insured cancer patients in Napa County are eligible for free cancer case management services, called Cancer Care, through the CARE Network program of the Community Outreach Department.
Cancer Care is a person-centered medical and psychosocial case management approach that, with the aid of the client, determines the needs of the client and helps identify appropriate resources to meet those needs. The goal of this approach is to empower each client to better deal with his or her cancer diagnosis. For more information, call 251-2012 or 251-2013.
HOSPICE CARE
Hospice services for terminally ill patients, their families, and caregivers are provided through Hospice of Napa Valley . Established in 1979, Hospice of Napa Valley's team of healthcare professionals includes physicians, nurses, medical social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, counselors and hospice aides who focus on making patients as comfortable as possible. Services are provided in a variety of settings based on individual patient and cultural needs.
Hospice of Napa Valley
Families know who to call for help in the last six months of a loved one's life -- no matter where in the valley they may live. A multi-disciplinary team of social workers, nurses, chaplains, aides, and volunteers makes it possible for the patient to remain at home in dignity and comfort, or to receive the same caring support in the medical center. The family too receives expert help making decisions and arrangements.
When recovery is no longer possible, there is always someone on hand to talk and listen -- someone who truly understands and cares.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Local residents meet regularly to share ideas and resources, and to support one another through the cancer experience. Research from Stanford University has demonstrated that people who actively participate in a cancer support group live an average of 18 months longer.
Especially popular is the Bosom Buddies group, which draws as many as 30 breast cancer patients and families every month. At the Cancer Support Group weekly meeting, 20 or more members discuss living with cancer and coping strategies, including end of life issues.
For more information, call 251-2000.
CANCER RESEARCH
The cancer team at Queen of the Valley is one of four programs in the state of California to bring clinical trials of new chemotherapy treatments to local patients.
The Queen and local physicians are partnering with Stanford University Medical Center on an important study involving breast cancer and more.
2007 Annual Report and Kidney & Renal Pelvis Site Specific Study
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