UK St. Claire Enhances Cancer Care Program with Patient Navigator

Beginning a cancer journey can be a frightening experience. We understand that. In many cases, we have gone through it with our own family and friends.

St. Claire wants their patients to have a mentor that advocates for them, assists in coordinating appointments, and serves as a resource for information on hospital and community based services. We are proud to announce that Melissa Hounshell will take on this role as our oncology patient navigator.

A graduate of Morehead State University, Hounshell will provide individualized assistance for patients, families, caregivers and the community to help overcome barriers and facilitate timely access to clinical services and resources from before diagnosis through survivorship.

“I am passionate about helping people go through their oncology journey,” Hounshell said. “Having gone through this journey with my parents, I know what it is like to have folks go through this and not knowing who to call or where to turn.”

As patient navigator, Hounshell will mentor patients in understanding treatment goals and routinely reviewing their progress towards these goals along while offering support, information, and guidance for patients.

Before joining the SCH team, Hounshell served as the community outreach director at the UK Markey Cancer Center.

“I honestly feel that God led me to this position,” Hounshell said. “I want to make a difference and I feel like this is the right place for me.”

UK St. Claire’s (SCH) Oncology team delivers a personalized care plan for every stage of a patient’s cancer treatment and recovery. Our professional and compassionate team is with you and your loved one throughout the cancer journey.

To learn more about our oncology program, visit www.st.claire.org/cancercare or call 606.780.5557.