EMMC Cancer Care joins Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative

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EMHS also becomes Dana-Farber Affiliate

EMMC Cancer Care, located at the Lafayette Family Cancer Center, is the newest member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative. Participation in the Collaborative reflects a demonstrated commitment to excellence by meeting a wide array of standards and best practices.

As part of the membership process, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute clinicians and other specialists conducted an extensive review of EMMC Cancer Care’s outpatient adult medical oncology practices and procedures, including patient safety protocols, nursing and pharmacy practices, chemotherapy administration, and information systems.

Membership in the collaborative enhances educational opportunities for staff, and offers opportunities for consultation with medical specialists at Dana-Farber in Boston for complex cases. In addition, many of the latest Dana-Farber clinical trials will be available in Maine for patients at EMMC Cancer Care.

“This collaboration will benefit our patients, staff, and community,” said Deborah Carey Johnson, RN, CEO of Eastern Maine Medical Center. “To be recognized for our quality of care by an institution like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is also a testament to the quality of care provided by our team. They’re truly a remarkable group.”

“Our mission is to help relieve the burden of cancer for as many people as possible,” said Laurie Glimcher, MD, president and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “We do this by conducting research to develop better therapies, by providing expert and compassionate care for our patients, and by working with other carefully selected care providers. We are very pleased to welcome this important new member of the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative and look forward to our work together.”

Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative was established to help disseminate the latest and most effective, evidence-based best practices and standards to member hospitals and physician practices. Members undergo a rigorous review of their oncology operations, and agree to implement key recommendations to meet Dana-Farber standards. Members also take advantage of ongoing consultations and access to support services, such as on-site specialty second opinion clinics, clinical trials, tumor board conferences and physician lectures.

In addition, EMHS (of which EMMC is a member) is also becoming an affiliate of Dana-Farber, which will enable streamlined access to Dana-Farber in Boston for patients with highly complex cancers. EMHS and Dana-Farber physicians will collaborate on matters concerning cancer diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and clinical trials, delivered by EMHS physicians in Maine.

“Collaboration knows no boundaries, especially when it comes to ensuring the people of Maine have access to the highest quality of care,” said Michelle Hood, EMHS president and CEO. “I am pleased that this collaboration will help to support a seamless experience for our patients. Drawing on the world-renowned expertise of Dana-Farber will directly benefit so many people in our communities.”


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