Patient and Visitor Information

Patient and Visitor Information
for Karmanos at McLaren Macomb

Amenities

Hot Beverages/ Vending Machine / Places to Eat

Free coffee, tea and hot cocoa are available in the lobby of the Cancer Center and also in the offices on the second floor. Vending machines with various snacks and beverages are also available for your convenience on the second floor. A variety of local eateries is available in the area. Please ask any staff member for more information on your local options..

Parking

Free parking is available for your convenience. Multiple handicapped spaces are available for use. Wheelchairs are accessible for use during your visit to the cancer center — these are located just inside the lobby entrance.

Patient Lounge

Located in the lobby of the cancer center, this room is designed to accommodate all guests. The lounge contains books and a television to help pass the time. Vending machines with beverages are also available for your convenience.

No Smoking / Help Quitting Tobacco

The Karmanos Cancer Institute campuses are non-smoking campuses. Counseling is offered free-of-charge to help quit tobacco at the Michigan Tobacco Quit line: 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is available free of charge. You can connect to the Wi-Fi by choosing the “guest” option on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Laboratory services are available on-site and at offsite facilities to provide convenient care.

Resources and Support

While you and your family adjust to a new cancer diagnosis, staff members are committed to helping you understand and manage your cancer treatments. We are pleased to offer individualized and personal support.

Cancer Care Nursing Team

Our nursing staff in medical and radiation oncology work hand-in-hand with patients, their families, caregivers, medical staff and the community to assure that an appropriate plan of care is developed and implemented to meet the needs of the patients. The nursing staff works collaboratively to educate patients and schedule medical care. Many of our nurses specialize in oncology (cancer) care and are designated Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN). Your cancer care team also includes medical assistants who work directly with your physicians and nurses.

Diane & Dean Petitpren Patient Resource Center

Located in the lobby of the Cancer Center, this patient resource center is designed specifically to assist the cancer patients and their caregivers with additional information and resources. Topics include information on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer along with information on coping with side effects. Literature, videotapes, DVD’s and a lending library provide useful information and tools.

Genetic Counseling

The Cancer Genetic Counseling Service at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center involves documenting detailed personal and family history, conducting a personalized risk assessment and discussing your genetic testing options. The goal is to help you understand your cancer risk and the chance that cancer might be passed along through the genes in your family (risk assessment). This information can also help you to become more involved in ways to reduce your risk by modifying your lifestyle and developing a personalized screening and treatment plan.

DVD Player and Movies

DVD players and movies are provided, free of charge, in the medical oncology chemotherapy room to assist relaxation during your chemotherapy infusion.

Hart Medical Supplies

Hart Medical is located on the second floor of the Medical Office Building. They offer a comprehensive selection of high quality equipment and supplies, with a special focus on respiratory, sleep, mobility and women’s health products to help individuals maintain their health and independence. (586) 493-3464

Integrative Therapies

Integrative therapies are used along with cancer treatments to treat the whole patient, which includes mind and body. These therapies place an emphasis on decreasing stress and anxiety and improving one’s general sense of well-being. Integrative therapies which are intermittently available include:

• Art Therapy
• Educational Lecture Series
• Transition to Wellness Classes

Internet Access

Internet access is available free of charge. You can connect to the wireless Internet by choosing “guest” as the option on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Nurse Practitioner-Medical Oncology

This health care professional is an advanced-practicing nurse who has completed a master’s level education, received national board certification and completed specialized training, certifications and experience in caring for the adult oncology/hematology patient.

• Works along with your medical oncologists to assist in your care
• Provides your initial chemotherapy education.
• May see you in the office during follow-up visits, in between chemotherapy cycles to assess how your chemotherapy experience is going as well as provide symptom management, appropriate referrals, prescriptions and/or diagnostic testing.

You may reach our medical oncology nurse practitioner at 586-493-3440

Oncology Nurse Navigator

The navigator’s primary role is to remove barriers and improve access to treatment. Our nurse navigator functions as an advocate for our patients and is there to assist them as they navigate through their cancer care journey. In addition, they:

• Identify barriers to treatment and assist to resolve them.
• Are patient educators, advocates, care coordinators and system navigators.
• Identify and manage treatment side effects.
• Assist the patient to link them with resources that are available for them.
• Act as a liaison with the health care team on their behalf.
• Help to provide assistance with arranging low-cost transportation.

You may reach our oncology nurse navigator at 586-493-3426.

Oncology Social Worker

The Social Worker addresses the psychosocial needs of patients and their families, advocating during all phases of cancer treatment. They help provide a sense of control, empowerment, and understanding.

Spiritual and Pastoral Care

This service helps to provide you with a sense of meaning, purpose and connection beyond oneself that can help to improve quality of life, and to help you put problems in perspective. Each person’s individual spiritual beliefs and experiences are nurtured and respected. McLaren Macomb has a chaplain available for counseling and spiritual guidance. For more information, call Spiritual Care Services at 586-493-8033.

Physician Therapy and Rehabilitative Care

Services feature individualized therapy from expert staff with advanced clinical training and include:

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Lymphedema services
• Strengthening and fall prevention