Memorial Health is proud to announce an affiliation with The James Cancer Network, bringing access to leading-edge cancer care for patients of the region. (Photo submitted)
Memorial Health is continuing their focus and dedication to the fight against cancer, with a mission to bring advanced oncology and hematology services to area residents.
Two recent developments in this mission include a formal affiliation with The James Cancer Network (JCN), as well as the opening of new Cancer Center on its main campus in Marysville.
Memorial Health recently announced the organization has teamed up with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), through their James Cancer Network, one of the nation’s leading cancer research and care providers.
In a statement, Chip Hubbs, Memorial Health CEO and president, wrote that the collaboration, “enables Memorial to make a difference in the lives of those who are battling this disease and those who are supporting them.”
“As a member of The James Cancer Network, Memorial is bringing leading-edge oncology care to patients in our region,” Hubbs wrote. “To our patients, it means advanced cancer care while staying close to home, where they can be near their loved ones and their support system – a vital piece in the cancer patient’s journey.”
Officials said that by joining with JCN, Memorial will be able to “continue to provide broad, state-of-the-art, and compassionate cancer care to the region” and provides local providers and patients access to the expertise and sub specialization as well as clinical trials and patient case reviews.
“We are proud to welcome Memorial Health to The James Cancer Network and look forward to working together to reach our shared vision of a world without cancer,” wrote Dr. William Farrar, MD, Chief Executive Officer of the OSUCCC – James.
In addition, as part of its Memorial 2020 expansion and enhancement project, Memorial opened a new Cancer Center in early May. Designed with increased spaces for infusions/chemotherapy, the new Cancer Center features communal and private treatment areas with natural light and outdoor views to enhance patient comfort.
“Memorial is excited to open our new Cancer Center and share the news of our collaboration with The James Cancer Network,” Hubbs wrote. “These best-in-class facilities and comfortable surroundings are blended with advanced medical expertise and compassionate staff, important elements as cancer patients navigate their journey. It is important to us to have an area that can serve as a haven of comfort and solace for patients who are coming to Memorial for treatments.”
Officials said Memorial’s specialty care team worked side-by-side with current cancer patients, garnering input and feedback to several designs areas, in addition to studying national best-in-class facilities. Features of the new Cancer Center include a variety of flexible treatment rooms, optimized work area and a new shop named Journeys offering items for those undergoing treatments.
Hubbs said Memorial’s oncology and hematology services will continue to be led by Robert Rupert, MD, and Jenna Hoffman, CNP, along with Memorial’s expert nursing and pharmacy teams in the Specialty Care Center.
“Together, Rupert and Hoffman will collaborate with those within their cancer journey, focusing on treatment option plans, nutritional guidance, patient education, in addition to continual oncological care,” according to the announcement. “This team approach will also include their fellow team members including Memorial surgeons, pharmacists, patient navigators and dietitians, to help round out the care.”
Rupert’s background includes more than 28 years of experience in oncology and hematology, previously as Medical Director for Oncology JamesCare East clinic in Columbus. In addition, he served as assistant professor-clinical in the divisions of medical oncology and hematology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
Farrar said officials in the JCN, “look forward to working once again with Dr. Rupert.”
The announcement says Hoffman joins Rupert in, “working to provide a continuum of care for patients diagnosed with cancer or malignant/non-malignant blood disorders.”
Her previous experience includes serving as an oncology hematology nurse practitioner in Columbus as well as nearly five years at Memorial Hospital.
Those wanting more information about oncology and hematology services provided at Memorial are asked to contact Memorial Oncology and Hematology at (937) 578-2020.
A new Cancer Center on Memorial’s main campus will improve and enhance the patient experience with communal and private treatment areas featuring natural light and outdoor views. (Photo submitted)