Support Services
At the Oncology Center, we understand that cancer is more than a disease. Cancer is a life-changing experience that has a profound impact on our patients and their loved ones. That is why we are here for you, our patients, first and foremost, with the highest quality care and services. Our focus is on treating the mind and the spirit as well as the body. We also offer care and support services for family and loved ones.
At St. Joseph Hospital, we do this in so many ways. We offer a wide range of education and support programs, pain and symptom management programs, Circle of Life palliative programs, and hospice care, as well as nutritional, psychiatric and social services. We even offer a unique one-on-one program that matches current cancer patients with former patients to offer support and guidance to them and their families as they go through treatment.
Dealing with cancer can make you feel so alone. Our support services assure you there is someone with you every step of the way. Our specially trained nurse navigator at the Oncology Center can help patients and families access a wide range of services that include the following:
Infusion Suite
The Infusion Suite is staffed by certified oncology nurses with experience in cancer care and an on-site pharmacist to minimize the wait for chemotherapy drugs. Infusion patients can relax in comfortable lounge chairs, watch television, read books, and enjoy refreshments while receiving treatments. Take a tour of our Infusion Suite by viewing the slideshow linked to the right.
Resource Room
Cancer patients and their family members can visit our Resource Room at the Oncology Center to access the latest online and published information on a wide range of health and cancer-related topics. The Resource Room is supported by Against All Odds, a cancer advocacy group working with St. Joseph Hospital.
Palliative Care
Circle of Life, our palliative care program, offers expertise to treat the physical, spiritual and emotional symptoms you may be experiencing as you face the challenges of cancer. Our dedicated palliative care team will work with you and your loved ones to help you with quality of life concerns as you complete or continue with your cancer treatment.
Spiritual Care
The Oncology Center at St. Joseph Hospital has a dedicated chaplain who makes frequent visits to the Oncology Unit and Infusion Suite. The chaplain helps patients by listening, praying, or just providing companionship. A chaplain is also on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Discharge Planning
Our trained nurse navigator and social workers are available to help access the care and services you and your family may need after you leave the hospital.
Nutrition Services
Good nutrition is important to help you stay strong and motivated while you are receiving cancer treatment. A registered dietitian is available for consultations and guidance on proper nutrition during treatment and recovery. Snacks and refreshments for patients in the Infusion Suite are also approved by the dietitian.
Nashua Regional Cancer Center
Oncology Center patients receive state-of-the-art radiation therapy at the Nashua Regional Cancer Center (NRCC), the only accredited radiation center serving southern New Hampshire and licensed by the State of New Hampshire's Department of Public Health. The NRCC is located at 11 N. Southwood Drive, Nashua and can be reached by calling (603) 880-1590.
We also offer free services in collaboration with the American Cancer Society. Click here for more information.
Climb Program
Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB)
For your children ages 6 to 12 years. For you. Helping kids and families cope with cancer.
What is CLIMB?
Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB) is a special support program dedicated to the emotional support of children who have parents or grandparents with cancer.
The CLIMB Program at St. Joseph Hospital's Oncology Center offers four weekly two hour group meetings, during which conversation and art are used to help children identify and appropriately express complex feelings. They are given their own workbook to capture their progress, which they can share with their family at home.
For more information about the FREE CLIMB Program offered at the Oncology Center, or to enroll a child, please contact Charlotte Bell, MSW, at (603) 880-3408.
Find out more
With clinical expertise, state-of-the art technologies and a warm, personal touch, the nurses, physicians and staff at the Oncology Center at St. Joseph Hospital deliver more than routine cancer care. For more information about the Infusion Suite or other services, call (603) 880-3408.