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Home > Patient Care > Social Work
Social Work

The Social Workers associated with the Hollings Cancer Center collaborate closely with all the interdisciplinary medical teams to ensure high quality of care for patients in all settings. At Hollings Cancer Center Social Workers help those affected by cancer in coping through the entire trajectory of their illness through prediagnosis, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and beyond. 

Helping handQuestions we frequently address include: How can I pay for treatment?  I used to be a work horse, now I’m tired all the time. I need help in caregiving…I’m afraid…Will I be without hair the rest of my life?  How can I get from Adams Run to radiation therapy every day for 6 weeks?  This medication costs $1,000 a pill…how can I afford that?  I can’t work any longer…how will I pay my rent? How will I survive my husband’s possible death?  What do I tell my kids?

Social Workers help patients find solutions. Social Workers begin with a thorough assessment of the client, situation, and available resources. They have much experience in locating and negotiating systems so clients get the services they need. All at MUSC hold a Masters Degree in Social Work – a 2 year degree with at least 900 hours of supervised field work in established agencies. All have extensive work experience (between 10 and 30 years).

Social Workers help the client and family understand and adjust to illness. They provide direct services - impart information, make referrals, screen and assess clients, provide short term counseling and intervene in crisis situations. They also are involved in advocating for the patient both within the hospital and community. They work with individuals, families, groups and the community. Social Workers facilitate support groups and provide community education.

For social work services, contact:

Out Patient-Adult                                          
     Elena Bell, LISW-CP (all clinics at HCC + Radiation Therapy)
    (843) 792-3346  Location: Hollings Cancer Center - Room 347

    Peggy Willis, LMSW (Breast Cancer, Gynecology/Oncology, ENT )  
    (843) 792-5294  Location: Hollings Cancer Center - Room 347B

In Patient-Adult
    Cherlyn Monroe, LMSW-CP (8 West, 10 East, inpatient Radiation Therapy) 
    (843) 792-7870  Location: MUSC Hospital - Room 837A

    For other floors ask at the nurse’s desk to speak with a social worker.

In & Out Patient-Children
    
Joyce Rivers-Miller, LMSW (7B & Hematology-Oncology)
    (843) 792-9460  Location: Children’s Hospital - Room 702

(To contact any Social Worker by pager, dial the page operator 843-793-2123 and ask for the social worker.)



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Page Last Updated:04/25/2008
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