Psychosocial Oncology Specialists
“Psychosocial Oncology is a specialty in cancer care concerned with understanding and treating the social, psychological, emotional, spiritual, quality-of-life, and functional aspects of cancer, from prevention through bereavement. It is a whole-person approach to cancer care that addresses a range of very human needs that can improve quality of life for people affected by cancer.” (CAPO, 2010.)
Social Work and Psychology
Social Workers and Psychologists provide free and confidential counselling services for people living with cancer and their families.
Social Workers and Psychologists can help you and your family:
- cope with stress and worry when there is illness in the family.
- learn cognitive-behavioral self-management and self-care skills .
- access cancer support groups locally or online such as www.cancerchatcanada.ca.
- cope with loss, grief and bereavement.
- to access community resources if you require assistance.
Registered Dietitian
Good nutrition is important to give you energy, keep you feeling strong, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Sometimes, nutrition-related problems can occur due to the cancer itself or the effects of treatments.
The Registered Dietitian has skills and training to help you manage nutrition-related problems, and answer questions about your nutritional needs. Registered Dietitians are regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario, and work closely with members of your health care team.
The Registered Dietitian provides evidence-based nutritional care for people who:
- have difficulty eating due to decrease in appetite, nausea, difficult or painful swallowing, taste changes, dry mouth, or other symptoms.
- are losing weight unintentionally.
- need to change their diet to manage side effects of treatment.
- require tube feeding.
- have questions about diet and nutrition recommendations for specific types of cancer or cancer treatments.
For information or to make an appointment with the Registered Dietitian, please phone (807)684-7310 or toll-free 1-877-696-7223 ext. 7310.
Registered Physiotherapist
Lymphedema is swelling caused by a large amount of lymph fluid in the tissues. A registered physiotherapist trained in lymphedema treatment helps people living with cancer who develop or are at risk of developing lymphedema.
The registered physiotherapist meets with patients to:
- complete a lymphedema assessment.
- develop a customized treatment plan.
- teach lymphedema prevention and self-management skills.
- authorize Ministry of Health funding for compression modification devices, covering a portion of these costs.
Appointments are scheduled in-person for in-patients of our Hospital and for out-patients who live locally. If you live in the region, appointments can be arranged using teleconferencing technology.
Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about being at risk of developing lymphedema or if you feel you may have lymphedema. Ask about being referred to the Lymphedema Clinic.
For more information, please phone (807)684-6270 .
For more information, please phone (807) 684-6270.
Speech Language Pathologist
As part of the Head and Neck Cancer Team, the Speech Language Pathologist helps to manage any swallowing and communication difficulties that may arise for people diagnosed with cancers of the mouth, face, neck, throat and larynx, as well as, helping them with any difficulties that may occur because of side effects from cancer treatment.
Assessment and intervention will focus on the following goals:
- education.
- swallowing safety and diet texture modifications.
- swallowing preservation exercises.
- speech intelligibility and voice quality.
For more information or to make an appointment with the Speech Language Pathologist, please phone (807)684-6270 .
Other Psychosocial Specialists
Many patients require additional specialized services, such as:
- Occupational Therapy.
- Psychiatry.
Please speak with your health care team about an appropriate referral.
- Spiritual Care is available upon your request.
Support Services
Indigenous Patient Navigator
The Indigenous Patient Navigator is available for guidance and support when you and your family are unfamiliar with medical systems, do not speak English, and/or have travelled a long distance for treatment.
Services include:
- translation and interpretive services in Cree, Oji-Cree and Ojibwa
- support before, during, and after medical appointments
- linking patients and families to helpful community resources
- providing information and education in a culturally sensitive way
- liaising or advocating for you and your family with your health care team
For help to obtain drug coverage, please phone (807)684-7269 or toll-free 1-877-696-7223 ext. 7269 to speak with the Drug Access Navigator.To contact the Indigenous Patient Navigator, please phone (807)684-4324 or toll-free 1-877-696-7223 ext. 4324.
Click for printable information sheet English
Click for printable information sheet Syllabics
Drug Access Navigator
Prescription drug access is an important part of your cancer treatment. The Drug Access Navigator will help you to access the most appropriate prescription drug coverage, whether through government programs, your insurance company or possibly through a compassionate program.
The Drug Access Navigator can help if you:
- are not sure your medication is covered
- do not have medical or private insurance
- cannot afford your medications
- have questions about prescription drug coverage
- have a co-payment (certain drugs may be eligible for assistance
For help to obtain drug coverage, please phone (807)684-7269 or toll-free 1-877-696-7223 ext. 7269 to speak with the Drug Access Navigator.
