Summit, NJ – Thanks to a three-year grant from C. R. Bard, Inc. of New Providence, the more than 14,500 patients who visit the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Medical Center annually will continue to enjoy the care and attention provided by an on-site concierge.
The cancer concierge program is part of the center’s integrated care that combines comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical treatment with holistic therapies such as guided imagery and meditation. Throughout the process, it is the concierge’s responsibility to do whatever possible to make our patients and their families comfortable and to coordinate all aspects of the patient experience including: Orienting patients and their families to the Cancer Center; providing appropriate educational materials and information about resources that are available to them, such as social services, wellness programs, caregiver support; offering refreshments, movies, magazines and other diversions to help pass the time; acting as a trusted line of communication with nursing and administrative staff; and facilitating patient transport and discharge.
Patients who are faced with the daunting experience of undergoing cancer treatment in a clinical environment can be reassured that someone is looking out for the little things that make the process more bearable.
“We have found that the concierge service is truly making a difference in how our patients and their families handle their treatment,” says Donna Delicio, R.N., oncology manager at the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center. “They sense that some of the burden has been lifted from them and appreciate the small, yet significant kindnesses that help make them feel better.”
The Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Medical Center is a major clinical research affiliate of The Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the recipient of an Outstanding Achievement Award and Three Year Approval with Commendation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.
For more than 100 years, C. R. Bard, Inc. has been developing innovative medical devices that meet the needs of healthcare professionals and patients. From a one man shop in 1907 to a global leader in the medical device industry, C.R. Bard is committed to enhancing the lives of people around the world.
About Overlook Medical Center
Overlook Medical Center, located in Summit, NJ, is part of Atlantic Health System, one of the largest non-profit health care systems in New Jersey. Accredited by The Joint Commission, the hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Regional Hospital” for Neurology & Neurosurgery, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Gynecology, Nephrology, Pulmonology, and Urology. Overlook Medical Center is verified as a Level IV Epilepsy Center. Atlantic Neuroscience Institute treats more stroke and aneurysm patients than any other hospital in northern New Jersey and a recipient of the Get With the Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award, placing its stroke program in the top five percent in the country by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.