Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) has announced a strategic collaboration with Northwestern Medicine to enhance and expand cancer care services in Southwest Florida. This partnership aims to establish a comprehensive cancer program by leveraging the expertise of Northwestern Medicine.
Through this collaboration, NCH will gain access to clinical resources from Northwestern Medicine, including consultations with oncology experts and opportunities for patient referrals for second opinions. Additionally, they will have access to the latest clinical trial offerings. Northwestern Medicine is associated with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, which is designated by the National Cancer Institute as one of 57 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation.
Howard Chrisman, MD, president and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, stated: “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.” He emphasized that this collaboration could significantly impact current and future NCH patients.
NCH has been working towards becoming an Advanced Community Healthcare SystemTM to provide more comprehensive care locally. The collaboration will advance cancer screening programs for early detection and introduce patient navigation programs.
Dr. Ed Grendys has been appointed Medical Director to lead the advancement of the NCH Women’s Cancer Program. This initiative includes opening a women’s cancer center on the NCH North Naples campus.
Paul Hiltz, president and CEO of NCH, expressed pride in collaborating with Northwestern Medicine: “Through this partnership, our patients will gain access to leading-edge clinical trials, cancer specialists and experts who define national treatment guidelines for cancer.”
Northwestern Medicine is Chicago’s premier integrated academic health system anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. It has been recognized on U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospital Honor Roll for 13 consecutive years.
Scott Lutgert, board chair at NCH said: “Through the continued generosity of our community, NCH will continue to rapidly expand cancer treatment and prevention services.” He highlighted their vision of opening a comprehensive cancer center incorporating best practices from leading U.S. centers like Northwestern.
