Newswise — Neptune, NJ - Furthering its commitment to improve the health and well-being of the residents of New Jersey, Meridian Health has launched a $128 million investment to bring a higher level of care close to home by enhancing its cancer services in Monmouth and Ocean counties. The massive project builds upon well established and trusted cancer services already offered through Meridian Cancer Care, providing patients with better access through six expansion projects that will blend clinical expertise with an optimal patient and family experience.
“Meridian is investing in more ways to bring extraordinary oncology care closer to the community we serve,” says Mark J. Krasna, M.D., Medical Director of Meridian Cancer Care in NJ. “Our entire team is excited about the changes and how they will transform the way in which we deliver care. Our patients deserve the best, and our plans blend comfortable, spacious facilities, advanced technology, and a streamlined, convenient care process for an ideal patient experience.”
Meridian’s plan begins with a brand new cancer center at Meridian Health Village at Jackson, opening in April. The center will feature a single location with a dedicated team of cancer experts from various specialties, outpatient infusion and radiation therapy in a state-of-the-art setting. Expansion projects will soon begin at Riverview Medical Center and Ocean Medical Center, and continue on the campus of Southern Ocean Medical Center and Bayshore Community Hospital. The largest piece of the expansion will take place at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
“Our community has come to know and trust the physicians and level of care they provide,” says Steven Littleson, FACHE, Executive Vice President of Meridian Health and President of Meridian Hospitals Corporation. “We’re taking things to the next level and building hope with new cancer specialists, even more advanced technology, and a truly multi-disciplinary approach to care that will elevate our patients’ experience and outcomes in an enhanced healing environment.”
In addition to the physical transformations that will take place, Meridian Cancer Care will set its services apart from others with its multi-disciplinary approach to care. Each expansion project will create multi-disciplinary clinic space, where navigating a cancer diagnosis begins with a single, yet comprehensive, appointment. A nurse navigator helps each patient move through their visit, which includes meeting with each specialist individually. The doctors and clinical experts then meet as a team to discuss all aspects of the case and determine a treatment plan. The patient leaves their appointment with a comprehensive plan and a clear understanding of next steps. “Our oncology teams take great pride in providing high quality, personalized care to neighbors, friends and family,” notes Dr. Krasna. “In fact, Meridian treats more patients diagnosed with cancer in Monmouth and Ocean counties than any other health system, hospital or cancer-related organization. We are well positioned to provide a personal and compassionate experience to each and every patient we have the privilege of caring for.”
Meridian Cancer Care was established to help patients and their families navigate through what may be one of the most difficult times in their life. In addition to screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support resources, Meridian provides access to treatment options through affiliations with one of the nation’s top cancer centers. Meridian is a System Partner of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCI-CCC). NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers lead this country’s fight against cancer and signify a relentless dedication to improving prevention, detection, treatment and care by quickly transforming laboratory discoveries to the bedside. They investigate and share the nation’s very latest treatments and most promising clinical trials.To learn more about how Meridian Cancer Care is expanding, visit www.MeridianBuildingHOPE.com.
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