Hospital Program News
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TX-Increased demand for the Oncology Massage Service greatly benefited from the additional funding provided by Angie's Spa. Two massage therapists will be providing massages in the Ambulatory Treatment Center, Supportive Care Center, Palliative Care Unit. In addition, an acupuncturist, funded by Angie's Spa, will be providing acupuncture for acute pain for inpatients
Northridge Hospital Medical Center Northridge, CA-New massage room in the radiation center for palliative care meetings and for massages. The team is increasing the massage schedule to Mon-Thurs 5-7pm. Surveys showed 100% of patients reported decrease in stress due to massage therapy. Hired new massage therapist Kim Rodriguez. New physician in the chemo clinic is referring patients for massages. NHMC was given a 3 year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer(CoC). They satisfied all 36 standards set forth by the CoC; , moreover in several standards they performed so highly they they received commendation in those areas. Applying for and maintaining CoC accreditation is a voluntary commitment by a cancer program that ensures it will have access to the full scope of services required to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, and support patients with cancer and their families.
Health Alliance of U Mass Medical Center Fitchburg, MA-Currently offering acupuncture, therapeutic yoga and massage therapy with Angie's Spa funding. Looking to hire qualified additional acupuncturists to meet the need. Plan to provide monthly "workshops" to patients and caregivers explaining the various treatments available and how they can benefit. Planning a series of fundraisers. See our calendar for dates.
U MIAMI Sylvester Cancer Center Deerfield Beach, FL-After a thorough search for the best qualified candidate, Jaime Johnson was approved and hired as the first massage therapist. Now the planning and programming can begin to provide hand/foot massages with the Cancer Treatment Unit. Nancy Berry will be meeting with the team April 11th to view the process and discuss the next steps.
Southampton Hospital Southampton, NY-In the last year their overall numbers for massages have nearly doubled and male participation has more than doubled. They currently offer Angie's Spa treatments in Southampton, Hampton Bays and Westhampton and hope to expand the service further east(East Hampton and Montauk). They have been told by the oncologists that patients are now requesting their chemo the days the Massage Therapist is there practicing reflexology, hand and head massage.
Hartford Hospital Hartford, CT-A referral tracking system has been set up in both the Navigation and Integrative Medicine offices. Chair massages are being offered Wednesday afternoons and Fridays mornings to both patients and caregivers in the main atrium of the cancer center and on the oncology inpatient floor as well. Yoga classes expected to increase following a marketing outreach. Starting a neuro-oncology pain control pilot study to assess how massage, acupuncture and reflexology can better manage pain in this population.
