UC San Diego Health System has received approval to acquire the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI), the official cancer institute of the state of Nevada, as an affiliate health care provider. The expansion represents a partnership between California and Nevada in offering lifesaving cancer care to patients through expert diagnosis, novel treatments and clinical trials.
"We are proud to have Nevada Cancer Institute join UC San Diego Health System," said Tom McAfee, MD, interim CEO of UC San Diego Health System and dean of clinical affairs. "As a world-class health system for cancer and surgical care, UC San Diego is fulfilling its mission of caring for patients locally, nationally, and around the world."
Nevada Cancer Institute is a nonprofit organization committed to fighting cancer by offering the best in early detection, high-quality patient care, education and prevention. The Institute has treated more than 7,000 patients since opening in 2005, and offers novel treatment strategies through clinical trials, as well as Hope Coach, a mobile mammography unit. Its state-of-the-art flagship treatment center is a four-story, 142,000-square-foot facility in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas. NVCI also operates a patient clinic at University Medical Center. The Institute is accredited by The Joint Commission, and has earned the organization's Gold Seal of Approval for quality and safety in health care facilities.
"In light of health care reform, innovative partnerships between states and their health systems will be key to increasing access to specialized care while managing health care costs," said McAfee. "Both Stanford University and Cleveland Clinic have pursued this strategy to care for neurological patients outside of their local areas. UC San Diego Health System is advancing this approach for the full spectrum of cancers, a strength of our clinical enterprise."
Plans for UC San Diego NVCI include the recruitment of medical and surgical oncologists, as well as beginning a national search for a physician-scientist to serve as director of the institute. Insight Oncology, a management services organization, will assist with the integration of the two organizations and provide operational oversight of the flagship facility.
Nevada patients will continue to see their current physician, now with the advantage of potentially qualifying for a wider range of clinical trials. UC San Diego NVCI hopes to partner with the local medical community and develop collaborations that best serve the needs of local doctors and their patients.
UC San Diego Health System purchased NVCI with clinical revenue generated by its hospitals. No state funding was utilized. All philanthropic support for NVCI will be specifically reserved for the Nevada facility and its patients.