BMC cancer center may become Dana-Farber affiliate

Editor’s Note: Today there is a direct referral connection between Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) and Dana-Farber for a second opinion and review of one’s records.

With the advent of millions to be invested in Hillcrest Hospital in Pittsfield to make it a multi-level cancer medical center, this process of affiliation is not only probable but given the cancer team and its plans, the formal announcement should be forthcoming.

PITTSFIELD – The proposed $30 million Cancer Center at Hillcrest Hospital is expected to become an affiliate of Dana-Farber Hospital in Boston, according to one city official Wednesday.

“[BMC] has been in touch with us to discuss working with them,” Bill Schaller, a spokesperson for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, told The Berkshire Beacon. Mr. Schaller did not offer any further comment as to the discussion and its proceedings.

John M. Krol, a city councilor, said he hopes this is the case as this would be great news for the City of Pittsfield.

“Hillcrest Hospital is a premier location and Hillcrest has a wonderful campus. It has an opportunity to be the therapeutic campus for the northeast. It has beauty and nature that will intersect with patients care,” Mr. Krol said.

The city councilor said he had no specific knowledge of the proposed affiliation.

Meanwhile, Michael Leary, director of media relations at Berkshire Health Systems (BHS), would only say that Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) is “looking at an affiliation” and noted, “There is no current affiliation, but we are seeking an affiliation.”

Mr. Leary would not confirm Dana-Farber or offer an alternative to which the hospital would seek an “affiliation attachment.”

In an email, Mr. Leary said: “BHS does not at this time have an affiliation agreement with any larger cancer center, and while we have publicly stated that we will at some point explore such an affiliation, that process has not yet begun and no specific centers have been designated for discussion.

“Any statements being made to the contrary are false.

“On your point that we recently hired a pharmacist who previously worked for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, many of our clinical staff have previous work experience with prestigious medical centers around the country, and in no way does this imply or suggest that our hiring of such a professional is connected to any discussions about future affiliation with a larger cancer center.

“It merely means that [an] individual comes to BHS with exceptional experience having worked for such a world class center.”

A second Pittsfield city councilor, who asked that his name not be used, said he was 95 percent sure that the “affiliation with Dana-Farber” will take place. No time or date was offered.

He indicated he had not seen any paperwork, but it appeared to be a done deal.

A person within the hospital family acknowledged the marriage announcement of the two centers was almost a done deal and did not deny that officials were working on a (legal) document to set forth in writing the responsibilities of each.

Assuming this affiliation occurred, this would be a feather in the cancer medical society’s cap as a regionally recognized hospital outside of Boston’s outer corridor.

It website acknowledges: “Through Dana-Farber Community Cancer Care, we help enhance the cancer care and services at local community hospitals and health centers.”

At St. Anne’s Hudner Oncology Center in Fall River, Mass., Dana-Farber oversees medical oncology care by sharing treatment protocols, policies and procedures. St. Anne’s also collaborates with Brigham and Women’s Hospital for radiation oncology services.

St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Brighton: Through this clinical affiliation, Dana-Farber provides clinical oversight of the medical oncology services at St. Elizabeth’s. As part of the Dana-Farber Community Cancer Care network, St. Elizabeth’s will adopt many of Dana-Farber’s medical oncology protocols, policies and procedures.

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Boston: Through this affiliation, Harvard Vanguard’s hematologists and medical oncologists are supported by Dana-Farber’s clinical resources and will adopt Dana-Farber’s innovative treatment regimens, policies and procedures.

“Since its founding in 1947, Dana-Farber has been committed to providing adults and children with cancer with the best treatment available today while developing tomorrow’s cures through cutting-edge research,” its website states.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a world leader in adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research.

Also, the controversial Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. of Worcester, which has been in a legal fight with the City of Pittsfield, is expected eventually to be located in the Berkshire Hematology building off Dan Fox Drive, sources said.

The hematology medical group will become part of BMC.

Spectrum, a methadone pain clinic, is moving onto North Street between Family Dollar and Advance Auto Supply, according to sources, during the interim period.

Posted by George C. Jordan III on September 13, 2012. Filed under Community News,Featured,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry