The Radiology department and its Specialty areas are fully accredited by the appropriate accreditation organizations and utilizes PACS. Services include:

• Digital Mammography Center that can identify cysts or tumors in soft tissues of the breast.
• Bone density screening for osteoporosis performed on all screening mammogram patients at no charge. Approximately 10,000 free bone density studies were performed this year.
• Mobile Screening Mammography is a totally self propelled screening mammography center that can be located at industries or in communities for the client's convenience.
• Radiation Therapy Center is a comprehensive radiation therapy center located on campus. (See Radiation Oncology section for more details.)
• Radiation Physics Department with Virtual Simulation uses a CAT scan machine to develop a three dimensional picture of the patient and their tumor volume. This allows accurate treatment planning for radiation therapy, while receiving only a ten-minute CAT scan instead of an hour-long simulation x-ray.
• Cardio-Pulmonary Department consists of respiratory therapy, cardiovascular lab and cardiac catheterization lab. Critical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as well as PTCA pacemaker insertions are provided. Many upgrades have been made in the cardiac area to include PTCA's, pacemakers and electronic transfer of images outside of our facility.
• Mobile Lithotripsy Unit has been available at Catawba Valley Medical Center since 1990. Two Lithotripsy Mobile Units serve fourteen hospitals in the two Carolinas treating more than 135 patients per month.
• PET/CT provides a detailed view of internal anatomy along with the ability to see metabolic changes within tissue.

Cancer Registry

A component of our Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Cancer Registry. Functioning in accordance with guidelines set by the American College of Surgeons, its primary functions are:

Collection of relevant data on all malignant and selected benign neoplasms Continued lifetime follow-up Distribution of cancer information, and Participation in hospital-based, state and national studies and research projects.

As required by law, newly diagnosed cancer cases are reported to the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry on behalf of staff physicians as well as to the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer National Cancer Database.

Pathology

Pathologists from Piedmont Pathology provide 24 hour service for intraoperative frozen section diagnoses, reports on tissue biopsies and resection specimens of Catawba Valley Medical Center patients with suspected or known cancer. The work of the pathologist is a vital part of a comprehensive cancer examination as the distinction between malignant and benign is made at this juncture, contributing to the decision-making process when planning the most effective course of cancer therapy. Pathologists are vital in determining:

• The type and size of cancer,
• Grading (aggressiveness) and staging (extent) of the tumor within the resection specimen, and
• Hormonal susceptibilities of the tumor and other molecular features of individual malignancies are important to the potential impact of therapeutic regimens.

Laboratory Services

The clinical laboratory at Catawba Valley Medical Center performs diagnostic testing and monitoring for cancer center patients. Tests includes:

Monitoring of hematological parameters including Bone Marrow Aspirates, Complete Blood Counts and analysis of Peripheral Smears. Chemical parameters including some Tumor Markers and Electrolytes. Microbiological services for isolation, identification and antibiotic susceptibilities of pathogenic organisms. Blood Bank services for providing safe transfusion of all blood products. Blood products can be irradiated on site when required and all blood products are pre-storage leukoreduced.

The laboratory is Joint Commission accredited and CAP (College of American Pathologist) certified with distinction. The Blood Bank is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. The cancer program at Catawba Valley Medical Center is supported by clinical and anatomical laboratory services under the expert direction of Piedmont Pathology's physicians.

Multidisciplinary Team

The Cancer Center multidisciplinary team meetings are held three times a week. The focus meeting is held on Wednesdays and presided over by the oncology case manager. Oncology nurses present medical history, problems, updates, and discharge goal(s) for each patient and their families. The two other meetings are held to determine the patient's progress toward desired goals. Discharge planning and special needs of each patient and their families are discussed and appropriate referrals made. Disciplines participating in the meetings may include:

• Cancer Registry
• Clinical Resource Management
• Home Health
• Hospice
• Nutrition Care
• Oncology Nurses
• Pharmacy
• Physical Therapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Rehabilitation Services
• Spiritual Care
• Utilization Management

Integrative Therapies

Complementary and alternative medicines are treatments and healthcare practices not taught widely in medical schools and generally not used in hospitals. They cover a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies. A therapy is considered complementary when it is used in addition to conventional treatment and alternative if used in place of conventional treatment. These treatments may be used as curative, to manage symptoms of cancer, or to reduce stress. The therapies currently practiced at Catawba Valley Medical Center are:

• Healing Touch
• Massage Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Pet Therapy
• Nutrition Therapy (vitamins/herbs)

Pharmacy

The Department of Pharmacy Services operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A pharmacist is always on-duty within the hospital. Patient care pharmacists also work in the nursing units seven days a week. Drug distribution is supported by a wide scope of pharmacy services that optimize drug therapy and assures patient safety by:

Reviewing orders Monitoring drug therapy Providing counseling and drug information Investigating suspected adverse drug events Assisting with drug dosing and literature searches

Clinical Resource Management

Registered nurses and medical social workers work together to offer our patients and their families a variety of services to meet their needs in coping with cancer. These services include:

• Arranging for equipment needs and Home Health Care, Hospice nursing assistance and other community resource referrals as appropriate
• Reviewing with patients their financial concerns and making appropriate referrals
• Counseling the patient and/or family during times of emotional crisis
• Discussing end of life decisions with the patient/family and providing counseling as appropriate
• Coordinating other discharge planning needs

• Integrative Therapies: Pet Therapy and Music Therapy on a regularly scheduled basis
• Spiritual Care by referral
• Cancer Resource Center
• Transitions programs
• Palliative Care and Hospice services
• Financial--Trinity Financial Services to assess for Medicaid and other assistance programs
• Cancer Support Groups and other educational/support programs
• Cancer Resource Nurse

Rehabilitative Services

Catawba Valley Medical Center's Inpatient Rehabilitation Center is accredited by CARF . . . The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. This accreditation outcome is awarded to organizations that show substantial fulfillment of the standards established by CARF, and clearly indicate that present conditions represent an established pattern of the total operations that is likely to be maintained and/or improved in the foreseeable future.

Acute care rehabilitation nursing of the hospitalized patients Inpatient care in the ancillary rehabilitation unit Outpatient care in the Western North Carolina Rehabilitation Center

Each setting features a staff specially trained and licensed in their field and experienced in the most up-to-date methods for the evaluation and rehabilitation of injuries and disabilities. The 20-bed unit is located on the fourth floor of Catawba Valley Medical Center. The unit provides patients of all levels of disability with assistance and care designed to improve the quality of life by helping them remain as functional and independent as possible. Services provided by the interdisciplinary team include:

• Physician services
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech-language pathology
• Therapeutic recreation
• Rehabilitation nursing
• Medical social work
• Clinical psychology

Strides for Recovery
Strides to Recovery is a comprehensive wellness program designed for cancer patients. The 12-week program includes one-on-one exercise prescription, nutrition counseling and relaxation techniques. Funding for the first year was possible by a Community Program grant form the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This structured program assists cancer patients to regain their strength and stamina. For more information, contact Sandy Wallsch Drury at 828-326-3002.

Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at Catawba Valley Medical Center is a certified wound and ostomy nurse. The CNS is involved with the prevention of and treatment for acute and chronic wounds throughout the hospital. Services are also provided for the management of patients with ostomies and continent diversions. Outpatient services are available with a physician referral.

Reach to Recovery

The American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program is a volunteer visitation program that helps breast cancer patients come to terms with the emotional, physical and cosmetic needs that stem from the disease and its treatment. The program connects breast cancer patients and their families with other breast cancer survivors to share experiences and provide mutual emotional support. Brenda Putnam is the coordinator for Catawba County, which has five specially trained Reach to Recovery volunteers. Most surrounding counties also participate in the Reach to Recovery Program. Contact names and numbers may be obtained through the local American Cancer Society office.

Look Good . . . Feel Better

Look Good . . . Feel Better is a free service of the American Cancer Society designed to help women undergoing cancer treatment to cope with the appearance-related side effects of treatment. The class helps these women:

• Regain a sense of self-confidence and control over their lives,
• Learn to perform their own makeovers using complimentary cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry, and
• Disguise hair loss using wigs, turbans, scarves, and various accessories.

Each participant receives more than $200 in free cosmetics in this journey to 'look good and feel better.'

By calling 828-485-2300, an appointment with a licensed cosmetologist and certified Look Good instructor can be arranged.

Home Health Care

Home health services are ordered by a physician for those homebound patients with skilled nursing or therapy needs. A social worker or nurse case manager will make the referral to an agency of the patient's or family's choice. Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans cover home health.

Hospice

Working together, Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) and Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley (PCHCV) provide the "something more" that can be done for patients facing the physical, emotional, spiritual and practical challenges of serious illnesses. A PCHCV palliative care nurse, nurse manager, nurse practitioner, and social worker are all available on-site at CVMC to provide immediate care and support. Patients of all diagnoses and ages can utilize palliative care and hospice services. After an initial consultation to determine the patient's wishes for medical care, PCHCV works with the patient's CVMC doctors, nurses, chaplains and social workers to provide comfort care. PCHCV staff continues to provide support should a patient be able to return to his/her home setting, or to the PCHCV Hospice House or Inpatient Unit. PCHCV also provides volunteer companionship for the patient, and grief counseling services to the family.

PCHCV is based in Newton, and is a non-profit, state licensed, and federally certified organization. They provide professional care through community and home-based programs that include:

• Supporting patients and families by providing medical care, counseling support, pain management, symptom control, volunteer companionship, and bereavement services to ease the end-of-life process and create an environment of dignity, comfort, and quality of life.
• Recognizing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and families dealing with the stress and fear of serious illnesses.

Hospices of the Unifour include:

• Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley
• Hospice of Alexander County
• Hospice of Caldwell County
• Hospice of Burke County

Spiritual Care

Catawba Valley Medical Center's Spiritual Care Department plays a vital role in assuring that spiritual care and emotional support are available to patients and family members whenever they need it. Reverend Cindy Jordan, M.Div/LMT and Reverend John Robbins, M. Div. are available to help cancer patients find the strength, comfort, hope and meaning they need to transcend the challenges of the illnesses they face. In 2000, Reverend John Robbins, M. Div. attained accreditation by the college of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy as a diplomat qualified to provide an accredited program of clinical pastoral education through the hospital.

Parish Nursing continues to be increasingly beneficial to cancer patients in the community. Our Parish Nursing program provides patients with assistance in meeting treatment appointments, in clarifying possible side effects and expectations of treatment, providing spiritual support from the patient's traditional faith and offering support with any necessary lifestyle modifications. When Hospice or Home Health is involved, parish nurses can serve as complementary care team members who primarily focus on spiritual and emotional support.

Palliative Care

Community Cancer Resource Center

I Can Cope Educational Series

I Can Cope is a series of classes that helps patients and families learn to live with cancer. It provides an opportunity for cancer patients, families and healthcare professionals to share their concerns about cancer. I Can Cope helps patients help themselves. These sessions include:

• Learning about Cancer
• Understanding Cancer Treatments
• Managing the Effects of Illness and Treatment
• Keeping Well in Mind and Body
• Communicating Concerns and Feelings
• Mobilizing Resources and Support
• Celebrating Life/Graduation

Physicians, oncology nurses, chaplains, medical social workers, and cancer survivors are all guest speakers during these sessions, which are coordinated by two oncology nurses. The program is a joint effort of the American Cancer Society, Catawba Valley Medical Center, Frye Regional Medical Center and Northwestern Carolina Oncology, Hematology. It is offered in the Unifour area twice a year, in the spring and fall. Call Peggy Messick at 828-326-3127 for more information.

Nutrition Care Services

Catawba Valley Medical Center's Nutrition Care Department provides food and nutrition services specially designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of oncology patients. This department analyzes the expected outcomes of nutritional therapy, ensures that each patient receives adequate oral intake to meet the individual nutritional needs and works to minimize side effects common to current cancer treatments.

Phone Pals

The volunteers of the Cancer Resource Center operate our Phone Pal system, a one-to-one support system for people diagnosed with cancer. This program connects new cancer survivors with long-term cancer survivors who have experienced similar diagnoses and circumstances. The program is designed to provide the same atmosphere of understanding represented in a support group to those that cannot or would not attend a support group. Contact the CVMC Community Cancer Resource Center at 828-326-2175 for more details.

Support Groups

Support groups are an important part of the continuing care offered at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Support groups allow cancer patients and their families to both give and receive support from other cancer patients.

There are four support groups in the Catawba Valley area. The groups include:

• Cansurmount: these meetings combine educational programs and emotional support for all cancer patients. Catawba Valley Medical Center provides the meeting space, facilitators, and refreshments for this group, which meets on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at our Health First Center at Valley Hills Mall, Hickory. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Catawba Valley Medical Center, the meetings are facilitated by the hospital's oncology nurses.
• Breast Cancer Support Group "Hearts of Hope": breast cancer survivor Brenda Putnam leads this group which provides information about exercises, lymphedema and breast prostheses as well as emotional support for women who have had breast surgery. The group meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Hospital Classroom in the medical center.
• Prostate Cancer Support Group "Us Too": provides both educational programs and emotional support for the prostate survivor and his family. Gary Skinner, a prostate survivor, is the program chairman. Sponsored by the national "US TOO" organization and Viewmont Urology of Hickory the group meets on the second Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the AHEC Conference Room.
• Laryngectomy Support Group "The New Voice Club": this group provides special education and support for patients who have lost their voice boxes due to cancer. Sponsored by American Cancer Society and International Association of Laryngectomies this group meets on the last Sunday of the month at 3:00 p.m. in AHEC 105 adjacent to CVMC.