MCCG's Jill Hancock, RN, Wins Statewide Hospital Hero Award

MCCG's Jill Hancock, RN, Wins Statewide Hospital Hero Award

Hancock Chosen for Commitment to Central Georgia's Oncology Patients

ATLANTA (Monday, December 23, 2013) - The Medical Center of Central Georgia's (MCCG) Jill Hancock, RN, OCN, was awarded the prestigious Georgia Hospital Heroes Award at the Georgia Hospital Association's (GHA) annual Hospital Heroes Awards luncheon on December 10 in Atlanta. Hancock, who was one of only 10 individuals statewide to receive the award, was recognized for her work in enhancing care for patients at MCCG's W. T. Anderson Infusion Center.

Patients are treated at the W. T. Anderson Infusion Center for a variety of reasons, but the majority are oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. Although many would expect a cold, clinical and somewhat depressing setting, through her leadership, Hancock created a welcoming environment with a caring and compassionate staff. Her philosophy is that patients heal faster when their spirits are lifted. She has implemented this philosophy through the Artist-in-Residence program. A local artist, Mary Parks, visits the Infusion Center to instruct and assist patients with painting as they receive chemotherapy. The program was made possible by a grant from the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

Hancock was extremely influential in bringing the program to the Infusion Center, which was intended specifically for patients to help them take their minds off the treatment. Recognizing that caregivers could also benefit from art therapy, Hancock and the staff now invite family members and caregivers to work with the patients. Because of Hancock's support of the program, it has attracted new oncology patients from central and south Georgia to MCCG.

“By bringing art therapy to the Infusion Center, Jill Hancock has enhanced patient care,” said GHA President Earl V. Rogers. “She has helped make an unpleasant treatment much more manageable for so many patients and their caregivers, and is a most deserving recipient of this award.”

GHA's Hospital Heroes Awards are presented every year to 10 individuals who display outstanding service to the healthcare field. In addition, one individual is presented with a Lifetime Achievement award, signifying at least 30 years of service.