Naples Comprehensive Health Announces Cancer Initiative With Northwestern Medicine
Collaboration will enhance cancer care offerings in Southwest Florida
Naples, FL —October 28, 2024 — Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) announced today a strategic collaboration with Northwestern Medicine with a focus on enhancing and expanding cancer care services. Leveraging the expertise of Northwestern Medicine, NCH will establish a comprehensive cancer program to support the growing clinical needs to treat and care for cancer patients in Southwest Florida.
As part of the collaboration, NCH will have access to a variety of clinical resources offered by Northwestern Medicine including the ability to consult with oncology experts, refer patients for second opinions and the opportunity to leverage the latest in clinical trial offerings. Northwestern Medicine is also home to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Lurie Cancer Center is one of only 57 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation and one of the first centers to receive a Merit Extension Award from NCI.
“This is a unique opportunity to leverage our expertise and share best practices with the goal of enhancing the cancer care offerings in Southwest Florida,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Backed by a nationally ranked cancer program and leading oncology experts, we believe this collaboration has the potential to have a lasting impact on current and future NCH patients.”
For years, NCH has worked diligently to transform itself into an Advanced Community Healthcare SystemTM committed to bringing more comprehensive and acute care to Southwest Florida, so residents won’t have to travel far to get it. To that end, this collaboration will advance cancer screening programs aimed at ensuring early detection and introduce patient navigation programs to support cancer patients through their journey.
Dr. Ed Grendys, a gynecologic oncologist, has been named Medical Director to lead the advancement of the NCH Women’s Cancer Program. This effort will include the opening of a women’s cancer center on the NCH North Naples campus, offering comprehensive gynecologic oncology surgery and treatment.
“NCH is proud to collaborate with Northwestern Medicine – one of the premier healthcare organizations in oncology. Through this partnership, our patients will gain access to leading-edge clinical trials, cancer specialists and experts who define the national treatment guidelines for cancer,” said Paul Hiltz, president and chief executive officer, NCH. “We will continue to recruit new physicians and nurses to Southwest Florida to support our growing oncology program. These expanding services allow cancer patients the opportunity to receive the best possible care right here in Southwest Florida with the world’s best cancer specialists.”
Northwestern Medicine is Chicago’s premier integrated academic health system. Dedicated to providing the most advanced health care to patients, the health system is anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. For 13 consecutive years, Northwestern Memorial has been named to the Best Hospital Honor Roll by U.S. News and World Report, with 11 specialties ranked nationally. Most noteworthy being, Northwestern Memorial is one of only three hospitals in the nation to receive a U.S. News rating of High Performing in all procedures and conditions. The health system’s cancer program is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report and provides patients with access to state-of-the art therapies, highly specialized cancer care teams, specialized research and clinical trials.
“Through the continued generosity of our community, NCH will continue to rapidly expand cancer treatment and prevention services,” said Scott Lutgert, board chair, NCH. “NCH’s vision is to open a comprehensive cancer center that incorporates the best practices of leading cancer centers in the U.S., including Northwestern.”
About Northwestern Medicine
For more information about Northwestern Medicine, visit www.nm.org.
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