Q1. Why are UCSF Health and John Muir Health developing a partnership to deliver cancer services?

Our new John Muir Health/UCSF Health Cancer Network is designed to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment for patients close to home. Through a highly coordinated cancer network, John Muir Health and UCSF Health will be better able to diagnose, refer and transfer patients. Ultimately, a network-wide electronic medical record will offer patients and providers full access to their records and ensure a seamless transition in care.

Q2. Are there cancer trends that make the partnership important for the future?

Yes. Our collaboration reflects a growing demand for cancer care and long-term surveillance that stems from an aging population, a rising incidence of cancer and a significant increase in the number of cancer survivors.

Q3. What does this partnership mean for patients?

Together, we can offer patients the expertise of specialists in both health systems, an extensive support network, and the most precise and personal cancer services that John Muir Health and UCSF Health offer.

Q4. What changes will patients see as the partnership develops?

The joint Cancer Network will include enhancement of disease-specific treatment capabilities, expanded clinical trial enrollment, and precision medicine offerings. UCSF Health will augment the outstanding cancer care that John Muir Health physicians and staff already provide and, together, we will offer state-of-the-art services in a healing environment, close to home, where the support of friends and family can assist our patients in the healing process.

Q5. Will patient records be available whether care is delivered at UCSF Health or John Muir Health?

Not immediately, but it is one of our highest priorities. A network-wide electronic medical record will eventually offer patients and providers full access to their records and ensure a seamless transition in care.

Q6. Will the partnership allow patients to stay closer to home for their care?

Yes. The collaboration will enable patients to benefit from the two institutions’ multidisciplinary strengths, expertise and resources to access the latest treatment advances, as well as support through nurse navigator and survivorship programs, while remaining in their East Bay communities for their care.

Q7. When will the new Outpatient Center open and what services will be available?

The Outpatient Center is only one component of our cancer collaboration. We are planning several new programs and services and those will be implemented as soon as 2019.

We are planning to open the Outpatient Center in 2022 on the Walnut Creek Medical Center campus. The center will offer comprehensive services, including radiation-oncology treatments, an infusion center, genetic counseling, nurse navigators, support services and additional diagnostic and treatment services in a patient-centered environment. Until the Outpatient Center opens, outpatient cancer services at John Muir Health will continue to be provided in the current locations.

Q8. Do you know where other cancer sites will be placed in the East Bay?

Identification of those sites will be part of our planning process.