Ten-year partnership agreement allows for additional access, physician collaboration and advanced technology for cancer patients
(Baton Rouge, La.) – Baton Rouge General’s Pennington Cancer Center (BRG) and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center today announced the completion of an agreement to expand and enhance cancer care resources in the Greater Baton Rouge area, effective immediately.
The new partnership agreement enables Baton Rouge General, a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to work together to make it easier for patients to receive the highest quality cancer care close to home. It also serves the missions of both organization by emphasizing a strong community focus on prevention, early detection and treatment.
“Baton Rouge General’s commitment to cancer care aligns with Mary Bird Perkins’ mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer, so we are excited to be a part of their medical community,” said Todd Stevens, president and CEO, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “This is a collaborative relationship that extends existing physical, technological and professional resources.”
The organizations remain independent but will share technology and collaborate on clinical programs like clinical trials, nutrition, rehabilitation, support groups and medical oncology, and connect patients with enhanced treatment options. Whether patients choose to receive care at Mary Bird Perkins or Baton Rouge General, linked electronic medical record systems will streamline treatments and communication. Depending on patients’ needs and preferences, they can receive care from either organization, or both, as some medical oncologists will rotate between facilities.
“We know that your world changes when you receive a cancer diagnosis,” said Edgardo Tenreiro, president and CEO, Baton Rouge General. “We want patients to feel comforted and confident in knowing that they can receive care and support from Baton Rouge’s two most preferred cancer centers, in a seamless, comprehensive and compassionate way, right here, close to home.”
As part of the partnership, a new infusion clinic has been completed at BRG’s Bluebonnet campus. It offers patients a variety of amenities including 36 infusion bays and two private infusion rooms, each with heated infusion chairs that are specially designed for tablet use. Also, an infusion center pharmacy is located within the treatment space, which will expedite the process of treating patients.
According to the Advisory Board’s Oncology Roundtable, a cancer-focused think tank, research shows that patients prefer to access care at community cancer centers, rather than large health systems. This is largely due to close, personal relationships patients form with their doctors and convenience. Community cancer centers also have the ability to offer a more flexible, patient-centered approach to care.
This new arrangement paves the way for future joint venture opportunities, including additional locations and treatment options.
Mary Bird Perkins recently announced a partnership with OneOncology, the national platform for independent oncology practices. The exclusive access to clinical trials and electronic health records Mary Bird Perkins will enjoy from working with OneOncology will now be extended to patients at Baton Rouge General.
About Baton Rouge General’s Pennington Cancer Center
Opened in 1987, Baton Rouge General’s cancer program was the first accredited cancer program in Baton Rouge, and now treats patients across the region – at Bluebonnet, Mid City and in Zachary. It was named after the Pennington family in 2006, after a generous donation from The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation that allowed BRG to be the first in the country to purchase the Artiste linear accelerator. At the time, it was the most advanced treatment option and increased access to local, high quality cancer care for people throughout the region. BRG was also Louisiana’s first accredited comprehensive breast center. For more information, visit brgeneral.org.
About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 50 years. The cancer care organization provides care at seven centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma, Gonzales, Zachary and Natchez, Mississippi, and its service area encompasses southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi regions. Mary Bird Perkins has a strategic partnership with OneOncology and the largest radiation and medical oncology groups from across the area including exclusive partnerships with Southeastern Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group, which provides radiation therapy throughout Mary Bird Perkins’ service areas, Northshore Oncology Associates, serving St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, specifically the communities of Covington and Slidell and Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates, which services the Greater Baton Rouge area. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.