Whether patients use the inpatient hospital services or the outpatient services, specially trained and nationally certified professional staff is in constant attendance, encouraging the healing processes. Great care is taken to educate and inform the patient and family because all the processes require coordination and understanding in order to work. This shared responsibility between patient, family, and professional staff is one of the hallmarks of the cancer services of St. Mary’s Health Center.

Because cancer patients have unique needs, St. Mary’s dedicated 25-bed inpatient and 15-bay outpatient oncology units have many comforts of home while being surrounded with the best technologies available. There’s a family room where patients and visitors can cook, watch television and visit. This serves as an oasis from some of the pressures of the day. The clinical areas are supported by the presence of the hospital chaplains and oncology psychologist. Frequently, local musicians will be playing music in the background as patient care continues all around them. Private, air-filtered rooms ensure a safe environment for patients with compromised immune systems and special needs. These rooms provide special protections for patients and are the only ones of its kind in central Missouri.

Family-centered care is vital to the healing process, so family and friends are encouraged to stay with their loved ones to take an active role in care giving. In both the inpatient and outpatient clinical areas, building relationships with patients and their families is top priority for the professional staff. All staff are strongly encouraged to “do what it takes” to promote a positive healing experience for patients and their families. Patient rooms have extra sleeping accommodations for overnight or extended visits. An open visiting hours policy allows friends and family to stay with patients as much as needed. The Oncology effort at St. Mary’s reflects a combination of competence, kindness and hospitality, and generosity of spirit. 

Contact Us:

For more information about cancer services at St. Mary's, contact Melody Musser, Cancer Services, (573) 761-7000, ext. 7320, or melody_musser@ssmhc.com