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Virginia Oncology Associates

Virginia Oncology Associates

Social Workers

Cancer Center » Social Workers

The Social Worker's Role for Cancer Patients

Social workers work alongside your clinical team and can be helpful during significant transitions in your healthcare journey. Some of these transitions may include a new diagnosis, change in treatment, post-treatment survivorship, or end-of-life care. Some of the services they offer include:

  • Performing an assessment to determine "barriers of care"
  • Collaborating with your healthcare team and community to ensure your mental well-being, social, practical, and resource needs are met
  • Identifying and outlining your healthcare goals or needs before, during, and after the treatment process
  • Resource coordination, including the facilitation of support groups
  • Financial counseling
  • Psychosocial-emotional-spiritual support
  • Liaison, coach, and mentor

Meet the Virginia Oncology Associates Social Workers

Roshonda Poole, MSW, CDP
Social Work Supervisor
Roshonda can be reached at (757) 466-8683.

 

 

Megan Fortner, LBSW, MA
Megan serves the Peninsula offices, including Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg. She can be reached at (757) 873-9400.

 

 

Kelli Bailey, MSW
Oncology Social Worker
Kelli serves the Western Tidewater and Elizabeth City offices. She can be reached at (757) 943-3222.

 

 

What to expect during your visit with the oncology social worker?  

During your first appointment, we spend time getting to know you. We will complete a needs and strength assessment where we identify what strengths and needs you are experiencing. We celebrate the strengths you and your family bring and we create a personalized care plan to assist you in meeting any needs. Some of the needs that we commonly identify and assist with are:

  • Financial concerns (e.g., medical bills, utilities, rent, etc.)
  • Insurance Barriers    
  • Transportation/Housing/Food
  • Limitations to independently perform activities of daily living care (e.g., bathing, dressing, cooking, etc.)
  • Self-Image/emotional or mental health (e.g., support groups/outpatient counseling/psychiatrist)
  • Personal relationships/family dynamics/caregiver support
  • Advanced Care Planning – documenting your healthcare wishes
Virginia Oncology Associates