A guide to Roswell Park services

Dr. Kate Glaser leads a yoga session in the park at the Chapter 2 Cancer Survivorship Workshop 2019

In addition to cutting-edge treatment and research, and our leading cancer experts, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center offers patients and their loved ones many services, programs, and diversions to promote health, manage symptoms and side effects, and provide trusted resources and support to improve the quality of life.

We hear so many of our patients say, “I didn’t know Roswell Park had that.” A good place to start is always the Resource Center for Patients and Families. The center offers information, support, assistance, resources, comfort items and materials designed to educate and guide you as you face treatment decisions. Among the many services are a laptop loan program for inpatients and chemotherapy orientations. Located on the first floor of the hospital, the Resource Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by phone at 716-845-8659. To reach any of these services below, please call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355). You can also find more information and services at Support Services for Patients.

Resources to manage symptoms and side effects

Ask your provider for a referral or call the phone number listed beside the service. Most centers and services are open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless noted otherwise.

Acupuncture can help manage many symptoms of cancer and its treatment, such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and digestive complaints.

Assessment & Treatment Center provides care for patients with urgent but not life-threatening medical issues. (Call 911 if you have a life-threatening symptom.) If you feel sick, call your clinic. After hours, call 716-845-2300 and our Call Center staff and triage nurses will assist you. The ATC is open 24/7 but does not accept walk-ins; you must be referred by your Roswell Park physician or the triage nurse.

Cancer Pain Management Service includes anesthesiologists, psychologists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers and nutritionists working together to develop a comprehensive pain management plan for you.

Dental Care offers dental professionals with oncology expertise to address the unique dental and oral health needs of patients before, during and after treatment.

Fertility Program can help patients whose treatments may affect their fertility but who may want to have children in the future. The program assists with fertility preservation and reviews costs and options for financing fertility procedures.

Nutrition Services can help with any dietary issues that result from your cancer diagnosis or treatment. Registered Clinical Dietitian Nutritionists assess your nutritional status, provide education and counseling and help you meet your nutrition needs.

Rehabilitation Services provides physical, occupational, pelvic floor and lymphedema therapies specifically designed for cancer patients and survivors before, during and after cancer treatment.

Supportive and Palliative Care focuses on a whole person approach to care for the physical (pain, symptoms), emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Sexual Health Clinic addresses changes to anatomy and function, body image, libido and other factors that affect sexual life as a result of cancer and treatment. Addressing these side effects is an important part of your cancer care.

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Coping with cancer care

Child Life specialists help meet the social, emotional and developmental needs of children so they, and their families, can cope with illness and hospitalization.

Financial Assistance Program helps patients who may have difficulty paying for their medical care.

Outpatient Pharmacy has many medications related to your care including oral anti-cancer medications. Clinical pharmacists are available 24/7 to answer questions. Free delivery services are available within a 150-mile radius. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Patient Portal – MyRoswell® offers secure electronic messaging with your care team, prescription refills, appointments and parts of your medical record (lab results). Click on title to sign in or sign up.

Survivorship Center offers a wide range of services, workshops and support programs. Every patient seen in our center receives a comprehensive survivorship care plan — a guide for staying healthy as you begin your new life as a survivor.

Tobacco Treatment Services helps patients who are ready to quit and those just thinking about it. Smoke-free cancer patients feel better during and after treatment and have a better chance of recovery. Email: treattobacco@roswellpark.org

Support and diversion

Cancer Coach Program matches you with a volunteer survivor/coach who has had a similar diagnosis or cancer experience. Coaches provide emotional support and practical information to help you navigate through your testing and treatment.

CancerConnect – Roswell Park’s Online Community is a 24/7 resource for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer. It’s a safe, private place to share concerns and triumphs and find support from people who share your experiences. Members have access to national cancer- and topic-specific communities. All you need to join is an email.

MMMB Patient Terrace is an opportunity to get fresh air and sunshine. Located on the second floor of the Clinical Sciences Center building, you’ll enjoy a peaceful place to recharge, with comfortable seating and a sweeping view of the city.

Psychology department staff can help guide you through the challenges a cancer diagnosis may bring including anxiety and depression. Services include assessment, evaluation and psychotherapy for patients in active treatment, survivors and family members for cancer-related distress.

Social Work department assists with care planning, caregiver resources, transportation, counseling and disability and hospice information. Lodging assistance helps those coming from out of town with discounted lodging rates. The translation service provides translations for more than 170 different languages. Medically trained interpreters are on call 24/7. (Non-English-speaking callers can access Language Line serves by calling 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) Monday– Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Spiritual Care staff helps bring the comfort of your faith and belief system into Roswell Park, working with leaders of over 34 faith traditions. The Meditation and Prayer Room is on the first floor of the hospital and is open 24/7.

Life Recorded enables patients and caregivers to record memories to share with loved ones.

Support Groups provide an opportunity for patients, families and friends to discuss concerns, ask questions, share information and relate their experiences coping with cancer.

Wellness programs to improve well-being

Creative Arts/artists-in-residence offer fun and easy arts activities for patents and their families. Email ArtistsInResidence@RoswellPark.org.

Art Heals Gallery is on the 1st floor of the main hospital.

Guided Meditation and Mindfulness: For more information check the online calendar at www.roswellpark.org/calendar

Relaxation Breath Work and Yoga help reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue and stress. Free yoga classes are offered for patients and families. You can also find the breathing and relaxation exercises on Roswell Park’s YouTube channel. There are also bed and chair yoga videos in the Patient Education video section.

Young Adult Program brings together support services designed to help patients ages 18 to 39 overcome the unique physical, emotional, social and practical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis at this stage of life.