Kansas City, Missouri (PRWEB) October 07, 2014
On Thursday, September 18, the Liberty Hospital Board of Trustees took a significant step forward when it voted to enter into negotiations with Saint Luke’s Hospital to collaborate on Liberty Hospital’s Cancer Center and future cancer programming. Saint Luke’s cancer program recently was recognized by U.S. News and World Report for 2014-2015 in its Best Hospitals issue.
The focus of this regional cancer program will be high-quality, patient-centered care. “Liberty Hospital and Saint Luke’s have many commonalities that make this a great partnership,” said President and CEO of Liberty Hospital David Feess. “First, both systems have a long-term commitment to preserving the dignity and humanity of our patients while each receives treatment. Second, each of our organizations is built on a strong commitment to the communities that we serve. And, finally, both of our leadership teams will work diligently to provide comprehensive cancer care to the Liberty area and the I-35 corridor to the Iowa border.”
“Saint Luke’s Health System has a long-standing commitment to partnering with local communities to provide exceptional care for patients close to home whenever possible,” said Julie Quirin, CEO of Saint Luke’s Hospital. “We are pleased by the Liberty Hospital Board’s decision to select Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute as its partner of choice in providing comprehensive oncology services for its patients. We look forward to collaborating on ways to provide leading-edge cancer care and growing our outreach together to serve Liberty and Northwest Missouri.”
As part of the official vote, the Liberty Hospital Board set the next 90-day period as the timeframe in which to negotiate final terms of a collaboration agreement between the hospital and health system. During this time, a comprehensive program will be developed, including the formation of a six-member Oncology Services Steering Committee, with the goals of:
- Developing a comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment program at Liberty Hospital to serve as a regional hub for cancer care in the Liberty community and Northeast Kansas City;
- Expanding coverage by experienced oncologists and hematologists at Liberty Hospital;
- Providing advanced diagnostics and treatment options;
- Offering access to National Cancer Institute-sponsored clinical studies;
- Providing on-site infusion and chemotherapy as well as genetic counseling, rehabilitation, survivorship and support services.
“The physicians at Liberty Hospital are excited to be able to expand our services to our patients,” said James Olson, M.D., Liberty Hospital medical staff president. “We look forward to collaborating with Saint Luke’s to continue to provide the best possible care.”
“Liberty Hospital is pleased to be working with Saint Luke’s Hospital in this collaborative effort,” said Feess. “As the world of healthcare continues to become more complicated and competitive, all of us must look at new ways of doing business that puts the best interest of the patient first. We believe this will be a good partnership for all of our patients, communities and hospitals,” concluded Feess.
“Saint Luke’s looks forward to treating cancer patients in Liberty and the surrounding region with the most advanced diagnostics and treatment options available to help ensure the best possible outcomes,” said Dr. Timothy J. Pluard, medical director of Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute.
About Liberty Hospital
The mission of Liberty Hospital is to work in partnership with our community to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. Founded in 1974, Liberty Hospital is a public hospital and is a political subdivision district hospital under Chapter 206 of the Revised Statues of Missouri. It is governed by a six-member, publicly elected board of trustees who serve six-year terms. More than 1,400 employees and 330 physicians deliver compassionate, high-quality care using the latest technology and a full range of services. For more information, visit http://www.libertyhospital.org or call 816-781-7200.
About Saint Luke's Health System
Saint Luke’s Health System is a faith-based, not-for-profit, aligned health system committed to the highest levels of excellence in providing health care and health-related services in a caring environment. We are dedicated to enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual health of the diverse communities we serve. Saint Luke’s Health System includes 10 hospitals across the Kansas City region; home care and hospice; behavioral healthcare; dozens of physician practices; and, more.