Treatments Continue at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales

Gonzales, La. – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales is developing and implementing best practices to ensure immune-compromised patients are staying safe. The organization follows all the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  guidelines and  has launched new programs such as video visits to help keep patients, team members and the Ascension Parish community healthy. “Our team is well-experienced with treating patients who have a vulnerable immune system due to the effects of their cancer treatment,” said Dr. Charles Wood, medical director, radiation oncology, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “We have taken firm measures to ensure the safety of everyone who enters our facility and now offer video visits to help limit the number of patients in the Cancer Center. We are also collaborating with other institutions across the country, such that we can share what is working for us and adopt protocols and policies that could help our patients.” The Cancer Center currently has a Zero Visitor policy, with the only exception being patients with cognitive impairment. Those with mobility issues will be supported by staff to ensure they are able to safely attend their appointments, and the organization is supportive of loved ones utilizing preferred technology to allow for inclusive conversations. All patients and team members are screened upon entering the facility, consisting of a series of questions related to close contact with those who have been tested for or diagnosed with COVID – 19, and a temperature check. Patients are now able to schedule a virtual appointment with their doctor for consultations and follow-up visits from the comfort of their own homes. Since its implementation in March, Mary Bird Perkins has completed more than 200 video appointments across all locations, providing the same quality care patients receive in person. “Allowing our patients to interact with their doctors from home enables continuity of care and decreases the risk of close contact with others,” said Dr. Wood. Mary Bird Perkins also reports that a number of patients who were being treated at other facilities have transferred care to its locations throughout its Southeast Louisiana and Southwest Mississippi regions due to travel restrictions. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is committed to keeping patients, staff members and community safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on COVID-19 efforts or transferring care to Mary Bird Perkins in Gonzales, please call (225) 644-1205 or visit marybird.org/gonzales.   About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for almost 50 years. The cancer care organization provides care at nine centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma, Gonzales, Zachary and Natchez, Mississippi, and its service area encompasses southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi regions. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.