Providence Health Care, Kootenai Health and Cancer Care Northwest formalize cancer alliance named InnerPacific Alliance for Cancer Care; launch first treatment program.
Providence Health Care, Kootenai Health and Cancer Care Northwest have joined forces to provide integrated and comprehensive care for cancer patients in the Inland Northwest.
SPOKANE, WA – Cancer Care Northwest, Kootenai Health and Providence Health Care have formed a regional cancer alliance called InnerPacific Alliance for Cancer Care, LLC. “The new name expresses the intended purpose of the alliance to provide integrated and comprehensive cancer care for patients in the Inland Northwest, with a full-range of treatment options and supportive care to meet the needs of every patient,” says Elaine Couture, chief executive of Providence Health Care and member of the InnerPacific Alliance for Cancer Care Executive Board.
The three organizations – the region’s premier health care leaders in cancer services – shared a desire to create a regional cancer alliance aimed at elevating the quality, coordination and experience for cancer patients and their families throughout the region. The alliance was formalized and launched its first initiative – a comprehensive radiation oncology program – effective January 1, 2015.
All outpatient radiation oncology services for the alliance are now provided by Cancer Care Northwest. Patients are able to receive comprehensive, personalized radiation oncology services from a single provider that coordinates services at member locations throughout the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. Services are available at Cancer Care Northwest sites at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, and at four Cancer Care Northwest clinics throughout the area.
The radiation oncology program has a team of experts that includes eight radiation oncologists plus radiation therapists, nurses, medical physicists, dosimetrists and support staff. Altogether, more than 65 individuals have come together from the three member organizations to deliver comprehensive, coordinated radiation oncology services in convenient, close-to-home settings that improve patient access and experience.
“One of the many advantages for radiation oncology patients is the cumulative expertise and resources accessible at any of the eight treatment locations that are part of this alliance,” says Warren Benincosa, chief executive of Cancer Care Northwest and managing partner of Inner Pacific Alliance for Cancer Care. “Whether a patient is receiving care at one of our member hospitals or at one of Cancer Care Northwest’s four clinics, they know they are receiving the best possible care from providers who customize their treatment plan using evidence-based clinical protocols,” Benincosa adds.
As the program grows, InnerPacific Alliance for Cancer Care will use the collaborative model to develop additional cancer programs that will enhance accessibility to high quality, specialized care throughout the region.
“Residents of our region should have access to excellent cancer care, with appropriate options, medical expertise, the best technology, and caring support, without having to leave the area,” says Jon Ness, chief executive of Kootenai Health. “We created the alliance to do just that. Patients now have a team of physicians collaborating on their care, greater access to technology, and care that is coordinated,” says Ness.
For more information on the InnerPacific Alliance for Cancer Care, and the organizations that have formed the alliance as part of a shared commitment to providing quality services to cancer patients in the Inland Northwest, call 509.228.1000 or go to InnerPacificAlliance.org.
About Cancer Care Northwest
Cancer Care Northwest is a physician-owned oncology practice that has operated in Spokane for over 30 years. It is comprised of 30 physicians, and eight midlevel providers, specializing in medical, surgical, radiation and gynecologic oncology, along with a complete health care team. As one of only a handful of fully integrated cancer clinics in the US, Cancer Care Northwest offers comprehensive cancer care encompassing physician services, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, diagnostic imaging and access to coordinated support teams, including registered dietitians and social services. Currently, Cancer Care Northwest operates four clinics in metropolitan Spokane and Spokane Valley, and seven outreach clinics throughout Eastern Washington. For more information, visit www.CancerCareNorthwest.com.
About Kootenai Health
Kootenai Health provides a comprehensive range of medical services to patients in northern Idaho and throughout the Inland Northwest. Kootenai Health’s main campus is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and includes a 254-bed community-owned hospital. Kootenai is accredited by DNV, holds the Magnet Designation for nursing excellence, and is a member of the prestigious Mayo Clinic Care Network. It has been recognized among large employers as the No. 1 Best Place to Work in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare magazine, and it is regularly recognized by Cleverly and Associates for providing value to its community. Kootenai is regionally known for its programs in cardiac care, oncology, women’s and children’s services and behavioral health. Kootenai Clinic is comprised of more than 100 physicians providing primary and specialty care in practice locations across the region. More information is available online at www.KH.org.
About Providence Health Care
Providence Health Care is the Eastern Washington region of Providence Health & Services, a not-for-profit Catholic health care ministry committed to providing for the needs of the communities it serves – especially for those who are poor and vulnerable. The health system, which affiliated with Swedish Health Services in 2012, employs more than 65,000 people across five states – Alaska, California, Montana, Oregon and Washington. In Eastern Washington, the Providence Health Care network of services includes Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital and Providence Holy Family Hospital– both nationally recognized for quality care, as well as two critical access hospitals in Colville and Chewelah; and a full continuum of services including home health, assisted living, adult day health, skilled nursing care, and PAML medical laboratories. Providence Medical Group of Eastern Washington includes more than 500 physicians and advanced practitioners (physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners). Its medical staff includes primary care providers, surgical subspecialists and medical specialists. For more information, visit www.phc.org.