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| Kim Wilcox |
New services include breast patient navigator
CARIBOU — Cary Medical Center will celebrate the opening of the new Women’s Imaging Center on Saturday, Feb. 2, with a public open house from 10 a.m. to noon.
The new center not only features the most advanced breast imaging service north of Bangor, but also offers a unique program called the Breast Patient Navigator.
Kim Wilcox, a radiologic technologist at Cary Medical Center, has been appointed the breast patient navigator in the new Women’s Imaging Center at the hospital. Wilcox, who has 15 years’ experience, is also a mammography technologist.
Wilcox is trained to assist patients who may have a lack of insurance, childcare difficulties, or transportation issues. As the navigator, she works with the patient and her healthcare provider to make sure they follow up and get the tests they need in a timely fashion.
“I have already been working with several women and the response has been wonderful,” said Wilcox. “I have helped women with transportation issues and childcare needs. I believe that the women I have worked with feel a strong sense of support and this reduces the anxiety they may feel.”
The breast patient navigator works with the patient even if she chooses to go elsewhere for follow-up care, services or treatments. The navigator will help with referrals, establish communication and make sure the patient’s needs are met.
Shawn Laferriere, chief of radiology at Cary, pointed to other advantages of the new Women’s Imaging Center.
“Our new Women’s Imaging Center really sets a new standard for women’s health services in northern Maine,” explained Laferriere, who is also chief of the hospital’s medical staff. “In addition to the breast patient navigator, we have a spa-like environment that is warm and comfortable, and we feature the most advanced diagnostic technology from digital mammography to full-time stereotactic biopsy. We have a dedicated team of radiologists, pathologists, surgeons and primary care physicians all working together in a cohesive way with only one goal: the best care for our patients.”
Laferriere also noted the new imaging center will provide direct access to the radiologist the same day that a woman comes back to the hospital for a follow-up mammogram.
“We understand that women who are called back for a repeat study may be terribly frightened,” said Laferriere. “Our service will have the radiologist speak directly to the patient that same day and let her know what the study has found and what we believe are the next steps. Giving the patient information is very empowering. All of this is done in close partnership with the patient’s primary care provider.”
The new Women’s Imaging Center was made possible thanks to a capital campaign that, to date, has raised more than $780,000. To contribute to the capital campaign that has set a goal of $800,000, please contact the Jefferson Cary Foundation or visit carymedicalcenter.org.
