Breast cancer is the No. 2 killer of women. That is why Oroville Hospital made the decision to develop an integrated treatment program that takes a patient-centric approach to care to fight breast cancer. At the new Center for Breast Health at Oroville Hospital a Nurse Navigator works one on one with patients throughout their treatment.
The primary role of the new breast center is to alleviate any confusing for a patient trying to navigate through the system and provide better coordination of care. Patients facing breast cancer interact with many different departments, including imaging, oncology, infusion, radiation oncology and surgery.
“We’ve always had all the right specialties to provide great breast care at Oroville Hospital. What makes this new program so unique and first-rate is the integrated approach to care. Our amazing team of physicians and clinical staff now all work together and collaborate as a team in a more organized way. And for the patients, we now have a well-qualified, compassionate point person, the nurse navigator, there to help provide a link to all of our resources,” says Robert J. Wentz, President and CEO at Oroville Hospital.
The new center also follows nationally accepted guidelines for breast cancer care. Patients in Northern California will receive the same quality care that patients receive in well-known breast centers across the country. Nurse navigators assist patients with scheduling appointments and provide a link to other resources, such as educational materials, dietary counseling and health insurance. Specialists meet once a month to plan and discuss how to better deliver care.
The new program is led by Elizabeth Johnston, M.D. a general surgeon at Oroville Hospital. She is passionate about breast cancer and has specialized training in breast surgery. “Being a woman, I know how serious breast cancer can be. I chose to specialize in breast surgery because I wanted to be a part of the process and be able to help women and guide them through the process of breast cancer. I enjoy being a part of the patient’s life on a long-term basis.”
Oroville Hospital will be hosting a free presentation by Dr. Johnston on breast health on October 23 at the Oroville Sports Club from 6:00PM to 7:00PM. Light refreshments and snacks will be served. For more information about the presentation or the Center for Breast Health please contact our Nurse Navigator at 530-538-5630.