Treatment
Whether your physician recommends your care to be completed in an inpatient or outpatient setting, Mongtomery General Hospital offers Rooms of the Future, where the expertise of our staff comes together in a homelike setting to provide a comfortable, private setting for you and your visitor(s) to receive your personalized care within.
Medical/Oncology Unit (for Inpatient Services)
Our 34-bed medical/oncology unit is located on the fourth floor of the hospital and is staffed by highly skilled and compassionate physicians, nurses and technicians.
Infusion Center (for Outpatient Services)
The infusion center is located on the fourth floor of the hospital within the Admit Center. Patients can receive outpatient chemotherapy or infusions such as blood products, antibiotics, hydration or supportive therapies such as anti-nausea medicine or growth factors when ordered by their physician. Patients are encouraged to bring reading materials and/or a CD/tape player for each therapy session. Administration is exacting and often takes some time. Each patient dose is measured to an exact level based on the patient's height and weight. Therefore, at the beginning of each visit, patients will be weighed to insure that dose calculations are correct. MGH pharmacists prepare each patient's dose meticulously. Two chemotherapy-certified nurses double check your treatment doses prior to a chemotherapy-certified nurse administering the treatment.
Rehabilitative Medicine
Rehabilitative medicine is located on the ground floor of the hospital. This department provides comprehensive services to patients with physical dysfunction secondary to disease. Services include: comprehensive assessments, development of treatment plans, delivery and documentation of care, consultation, re-evaluation, discharge planning and patient/family education. Therapies include: physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Lymphedema Therapy
Rehabilitation Medicine Department provides lymphedema therapy for breast cancer patients. Lymphedema is characterized by swelling of the treated side arm, chest and neck and may occur after breast cancer treatment. Our program includes: manual lymph drainage, bandaging, exercise, sequential compression device, education and garment fitting once the patient has reached maintenance level. To contact the Lymphedema Management Rehab Medicine Dept. by phone call Marie Harrison, PT, at 301-774-8737.
Medical Oncology
Several private practice physician offices are located on the campus of MGH. These physicians are active in the MGH Oncology Program through their participation in the MGH Cancer Committee and attendance at Tumor Board (Cancer Conference). These physicians are also available to provide education to the community on an as needed basis.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of specific drugs to destroy cancer cells. This form of treatment can be given alone, in conjunction with radiation therapy, or following a surgical procedure. Treatment can be administered on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on your physician's treatment plan. Only nurses with specialized training administer chemotherapy. Your patient care team wants to adequately prepare you for your chemotherapy treatment, therefore they work hard to ensure it is delivered in a safe and compassionate environment.
During therapy, your immune system is especially sensitive and we will take every precaution to reduce your risk of infection and other complications. While administering the chemotherapy ordered for you by your oncologist, the nurse will closely monitor your treatment to ensure you are responding well.
Additional inpatient cancer services include:
Nutritional Counseling
Nutritionist provide clinical support to all oncology patients at Montgomery General Hospital. This includes screening, assessment and nutritional education, which are designed to meet your needs including eating habits, ethnic and cultural issues.
Pastoral Care
We offer all cancer patients and their families' spiritual and emotional support for all faiths. This department is available 24-hours-a-day by calling 301-774-8884 or contact the hospital operator.
Social Work/Counseling
Social work provides patients and their families with counseling for emotional issues resulting from the patient's medical condition. Discharge planning rounds are held twice a week and are multidisciplinary. Based on identified discharge needs during rounds, social workers make referrals to home health agencies, home hospice agencies, inpatient hospice, nursing homes, acute rehab and skilled nursing facilities. Social workers may assist patients in obtaining other services such as Meals on Wheels, durable medical equipment and lifeline. Referrals are also made to appropriate support groups either through MGH or the community.
Rehabilitation Medicine
Upon physician referral, Speech Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy services are available for evaluation and treatment. Therapists work with patients to improve strength, mobility, and activities of daily living to maximize independence. Patient, family, and caregiver education is provided in preparation for return to the community.