Dr. Joseph Washburn Oncology/Palliative Care Center

The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons (ACOS) has accredited Mercy’s Oncology/Palliative Care Center as a comprehensive cancer program. In order to earn this distinction, an oncology program must provide state-of-the-art pretreatment evaluation, staging, treatment and clinical follow-up for cancer patients. Reviewers from the ACOS award certification only after a rigorous, comprehensive evaluation.

For more information, call (712) 279-5654 or send an e-mail message to pittmank@mercyhealth.com.

A Welcome Environment

Mercy’s commitment to offer premier health care to families resonates throughout the Dr. Joseph Washburn Oncology/Palliative Care Center. Remodeled rooms are designed to assure a calm, home-like environment. Each room contains oak headboards for patient beds, new wallpaper, colorful drapes and televisions in an entertainment center that features a place for family photos and personal belongings. Each room also has a sleeper sofa for family members to easily rest during their stay.

Great Care from Great Nurses

The National Oncology Nursing Society has recognized the staff in Mercy’s oncology unit for their skills and education levels. Nurses in the unit have an average of 20 years of experience, which speaks to their dedication. They see people in the unit not only as patients, but also as family.

Patient satisfaction scores that top national standards are indicative of the treatment, comfort and support provided to hundreds of patients each year. When asked to rate care from our nurses and physicians, responses from Mercy patients exceeded the average rating received by oncology units across the nation.

Palliative Care Center

The Palliative Care Center assists patients and families facing life-threatening illnesses that do not respond to curative treatment. The experienced staff assists patients in the effective management of pain and other symptoms related to the illness. The staff also supports the patient and family members in dealing with the emotional, social and spiritual stress of the illness. The key goal of the Palliative Care Center is to promote a sense of well-being and peace of mind.

The palliative care team consists of a physician who specializes in recommending medication, a nurse who coordinates the care of the patient, a social worker who counsels the patient and family members about social issues and lifestyle changes and a chaplain who provides spiritual and emotional support to both the patient and family.

Dr. Joseph Washburn

Dr. Joseph Washburn was the first radiation oncologist in Sioux City. He practiced full-time in Sioux City from 1979 until 1996. Dr. Washburn, in association with Dr. Michalak, started the oncology program in Sioux City and worked to establish the Siouxland Regional Cancer Center, which opened in 1994.

Mercy Medical Center dedicated the Oncology/Palliative Care Center in his name after a generous donation from Dr. Washburn was given to the facility. Others then followed his example and donated to the care center on his behalf.

Dr. Washburn believes in a warm, friendly environment that is conducive to families spending time with their loved ones.