Lee Memorial Health System’s Regional Cancer Center and Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center announce collaboration
Lee Memorial Health System’s Regional Cancer Center in Fort Myers and Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in Boston have entered into an agreement to collaborate on enhancing and expanding oncology services to Southwest Florida residents.
This agreement will provide easier access to advanced care for cancer patients living in Southwest Florida. Patients treated at Lee Memorial Health System’s Regional Cancer Center, will now have access to the many specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and will receive timely referrals for second opinions and improved coordination of care.
Sharon MacDonald, vice president for Regional Cancer Center, said the local team of physicians provides patients with outstanding care, from diagnoses through treatment and aftercare; however, the partnership with Mass General Cancer Center will provide a more coordinated and quality experience for patients.
“Our relationship with Mass General Cancer Center will offer patients access to new clinical protocols and treatments and the expertise of renowned cancer researchers, providing an additional network of nationally and internationally recognized specialists who will consult with patients while they continue their care at home in Southwest Florida,” MacDonald said.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to work collaboratively with Lee Memorial Health System and provide the residents of Southwest Florida access to the most recent advances in cancer care,” said Paul M. Busse, MD, PhD, clinical director of Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Novel approaches and treatments such as genetic testing, genotyping, targeted drugs, proton beam radiation, stem cell therapies and bone marrow transplant will be available through the MGH Cancer Center to Lee Memorial patients. It is our hope this new partnership will provide an improved coordination of services for MGH patients who reside in Florida as well as expand the scope of complex cancer services to the Southwest Florida community.”
Source: Lee Memorial Health System