The oncology Social Workers interact on an ongoing basis with patients in the Cancer Program at Lexington Medical Center. The two Medical Social Workers for this program are involved with both inpatient and outpatient areas:  8th floor Oncology, Medical Day Care, Radiation Medicine, Radiology and Lexington Medical Center affiliated physicians and practices.  Even though the areas covered by the in-patient Social Worker and the outpatient Social Worker are different, they work closely as a team to ensure that the patient and the family receive the information, support and assistance they need.

Cancer affects not only the patient, but also, the family, creating many needs and concerns. These oncology Social Workers not only effectively assess the patient and family for emotional, physical, spiritual, mental and financial needs, but collaborate with other healthcare team members to effectively meet these needs.  After these needs have been identified, the patient is connected with the appropriate resources in their health network as well as any state, federal, national or community resources.

Another important role of the oncology Social Workers is to provide medication assistance through various resources such as vouchers from the Emergency Care Fund and specific Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs to meet both immediate and long- term medication needs. These Social Workers also assist in arranging transportation through the use of both Lexington Medical Center and community resources; they provide assistance with Disability and Medicaid applications, make referrals to the Financial Counseling office when appropriate, and apply for financial assistance through various foundations such as Cancer Care. 

The oncology Social Workers not only provide a presence in the professional community with their affiliation with the American Cancer Society and South Carolina Cancer Alliance, but also with their geographical community by working with the other Community Social Workers in patient-centered projects. Some of these programs are the Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and the Christmas Family Adoption program. In addition to these services, the oncology Social Workers provide cancer resource material, facilitate a weekly Lexington Medical Center support group, utilize other cancer support groups that are applicable to the patient’s needs, and provide support to patients and families during the grief and end of life processes.