CPMC establishes new Bryan Hemming Cancer Care Center

Being diagnosed with cancer can be devastating for anyone, bringing with it a series of life-changing challenges, both physical and emotional. That's why California Pacific Medical Center is delighted to announce the opening of the Bryan Hemming Cancer Care Center, a one-of-a-kind space offering a wide range of essential support services for patients and their loved ones, all under one roof.

The center owes its existence to the generosity of Bryan Hemming, a man who knows first hand the difficulties that a cancer diagnosis brings. After winning his personal battle with cancer Mr. Hemming decided to help others facing a similar challenge, by creating a center that offered not only the very best medical treatment but also counseling, guided imagery, even spiritual guidance.

"We are deeply grateful to Mr. Hemming and our other generous donors for making this wonderful center possible," says Hamila Kownacki, RN, MBA, the Chief Administrative Officer for CPMC's Pacific Campus, where the new center is located. "Healing comes in different ways for different patients and this new facility allows us to go beyond medicine everyday in supporting our patients, providing them with the care they need, when they need it, in a warm, supportive environment."

The center will provide Cancer Care Navigation Services, teaming each person up with their own "patient navigator", a trained professional who helps guide them through what can be a bewildering experience. The navigators work with patients on everything from finding their way around the campus to getting support services, setting up appointments, even helping arrange accommodations during their stay if they are from outside San Francisco.

Other services include:
•The Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program, providing counseling and genetic testing for people who are at risk for genetically inherited cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer.
•Support groups where cancer patients and their families can meet with cancer survivors to learn how they coped with their diagnosis and treatment
•Wellness classes and events

The center will also be the future home of CPMC's Outpatient Infusion Therapy program, where patients will have access to the latest medical technology in private, spacious rooms that are equipped with recliners and personal TV and DVD players.

"At the new Bryan Hemming Cancer Care Center personalized care is our number one priority," says Margo Cusack, Director of Imaging and Oncology Services at CPMC. "This wonderful new space gives us the opportunity to treat every patient who comes through our doors, with the compassion and support that they deserve, in a uniquely caring and healing environment."

California Pacific Medical Center. Beyond Medicine.