A diagnosis of cancer can bring many challenges to patients and their families. The professionals affiliated with Winchester Medical Center's fully-accredited cancer program are highly trained, caring people who understand the emotional as well as physical problems that may be associated with cancer and its treatments.

The multidisciplinary staff consists of board certified physicians, oncology certified nurses, board certified radiation therapists, physicists and dosimetrists. While sophisticated equipment and high-tech procedures are used to fight cancer, they are no substitute for the understanding and encouragement that the staff provides.

Our cancer program has earned a three-year accreditation with commendation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. The CoC's quality standards ensure comprehensive cancer care, a multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate treatment, information about ongong clinical trials and new treatment options, access to prevention and early detection programs, cancer education, and support services during treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.

Inpatient Oncology Unit
Winchester Medical Center’s 15-bed inpatient oncology unit was carefully designed with the helpful advice of oncology nurses, physicians, patients and family. The unit is very patient-oriented with an open, central nurse’s station which allows for easy access. Each room offers a home-like environment with the latest in bed therapy. The unit also boasts a separate family waiting room which offers light refreshments.

The inpatient oncology unit treats patient in all stages of cancer. Staff provides specialty care for acute diagnoses, induction and consolidation therapies, patients with complications to cancer therapies, as well as patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complications. Cancer therapies including chemotherapy, bio-therapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy are offered in an inpatient setting. Brachytherapy is offered for patients with gynecologic and prostate cancers. Iodine-131 is offered for patients with thyroid cancer.

Radiation Department
Located on the ground floor of Medical Office Building 1 on the Winchester Medical Center campus, tadiation therapy services are provided by a team of three board certified radiation oncologists, six certified radiation therapists, one oncology certified registered nurse, one physicist, one dosimetrist, and other ancillary staff. Physicians oversee patient therapy, response to therapy, and surveillance for recurrence.

The department offers 3-dimensional computer aided dosimetry that allows the dosimetrist to conform the radiation beam to the exact shape of the specific tumors.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) can target the tumor with a higher dose of radiation with reduced dosage to the surrounding tissues. Currently, patients with prostate cancer and head and neck cancers are treated with IMRT.

Accredited Breast Care Program
Our Breast Care Program has earned full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and is the first accredited breast center in our tri-state region. This accomplishment recognizes our comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients from evaluation through treatment and follow-up care. To earn NAPBC certification, a center must undergo a rigorous evaluation and demonstrate compliance with standards for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease.

Support Services
Wellspring, a source for living with cancer and other chronic disease, helps patients and their families find resources they need. The center offers products to help manage physical and emotional side effects and support services to address needs during treatment and recovery. Support services include guidance through cancer diagnosis, treatment options and recovery from an American Cancer Society Patient Resource Navigator; support group meetings in coordination with the American Cancer Society; educational programs and information resources.

An American Cancer Society Patient Resource Navigator based at Winchester Medical Center is available to meet with newly diagnosed cancer patients to provide them with support, information and resources, and assist them with coordination of physician appointments, testing, and services. She can assist patients in completing financial assistance applications and make referrals to community services and American Cancer Society programs.

Patients have access to available ongoing clinical trials through a local private medical oncology practice.

Click here to view our annual report.