UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center building. Credit: Susan Merrell.
UCSF Health and John Muir Health have signed a letter of intent to develop a cancer network designed to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment for patients throughout the East Bay. The joint East Bay Cancer Network will include development of distinguished disease-specific treatment capabilities, expanded clinical trial enrollment, and precision medicine offerings.
Central to the network will be the development of a world-class cancer outpatient center on John Muir Health’s Walnut Creek medical center campus. The center will offer comprehensive services, including radiation-oncology treatments, an infusion center, genetic counseling, nurse navigators, support services and additional diagnostic and treatment services in a patient-centered environment.
The agreement also includes plans to jointly develop cancer care sites throughout the East Bay to improve access and convenience for patients across this region of more than 2 million people.
The collaboration reflects a growing demand for cancer care and long-term surveillance that stems from an aging population, a rising incidence of cancer and a significant increase in the number of cancer survivors. Through a highly coordinated cancer network, the two institutions will be better able to diagnose, refer and transfer patients. Ultimately, a network-wide electronic medical record will offer patients and providers full access to their records and ensure a seamless transition in care.
“The treatment of cancer is complex and unique to every patient. This level of complexity requires a team-based approach with physicians, nurses, nurse navigators and other health care professionals collaborating to provide expert care from diagnosis through treatment and beyond,” said Cal Knight, president and chief executive officer at John Muir Health. “UCSF will augment the outstanding cancer care that John Muir Health already provides and, together, we will offer state-of-the-art services in a healing environment, close to home, where the support of friends and family can assist our patients in the healing process.”
The collaboration will enable patients to benefit from the two institutions’ multidisciplinary strengths, expertise and resources to access the latest treatment advances, as well as support through nurse navigator and survivorship programs, while remaining in their East Bay communities for their care. It also will help build a base for further affiliations and integration with East Bay community oncology physician groups.
“This is a partnership between two organizations that are deeply committed to providing superior care, and expanding access to patients in the region is a critical part of that commitment,” said Alan Ashworth, PhD, director of UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Together, we can offer patients the expertise of specialists in both health systems, an extensive support network, and the most precise and personal cancer services that John Muir Health and UCSF offer.”