Collaborating over cancer

SANDUSKY — A new collaborative approach among the area's most well-known medical facilities, first and foremost, aims to better serve local cancer patients. "In collaboration with University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, the physicians, advanced practice providers and staff at Firelands Regional Medical Center, Fisher-Titus Medical Center, Magruder Hospital and NOMS Healthcare are now working together to provide compassionate, high-quality care at three convenient locations: in Sandusky, Port Clinton and Norwalk," according to a joint statement. The Seidman Cancer Center has been affiliated with Firelands Regional Medical Center and Magruder Hospital. "This collaboration builds upon this existing relationship to welcome Fisher-Titus Medical Center and NOMS Healthcare," the statement read. "Cancer patients will be able to receive high-quality care close to home in Sandusky, Port Clinton and Norwalk while also having easy access to services and clinical trials throughout UH Seidman Cancer Center." A representative from each medical facility also provided comment on this collaborative effort: • Dr. Theodoros Teknos, president and scientific director of the Seidman Cancer Center and the Jane and Lee Seidman chair in cancer innovation: "We are committed to bringing the expert, quality care of UH Seidman Cancer Center throughout north-central Ohio and beyond, and this collaboration is the latest step in realizing that vision. We welcome the teams at all facilities and look forward to joining forces." • Jeremy Normington-Slay, president and CEO of Firelands Health, headquartered in Sandusky: "This regional collaboration builds on the foundation we've created over the last decade to bring innovative approaches to cancer treatment. With continued expansion in radiation therapy, clinical trials, cancer rehabilitation and holistic care, we are able to deliver the best possible cancer care to our community." • Josh Frederick, president and CEO of NOMS Healthcare, which has offices in Sandusky: "As a physician-owned and led organization, we are very excited to have our oncology specialists collaborating with our community hospitals and a nationally recognized health system. This allows our patients to receive care closer to home, improve care coordination among multiple providers and organizations in the greater region while being plugged into a large, academic institution, which participates in over 400 various cancer-related clinical trials. This is a huge win for the communities we serve." • Nick Marsico, president and CEO of Magruder Hospital, headquartered in Port Clinton. "We are proud and excited to be a part of this regional partnership that provides the highest quality care for patients in the comfort of their trusted local hospitals." • Dr. Brent Burkey, president and CEO of Fisher-Titus Medical Center, headquartered in Norwalk: "Partnering with the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and other regional providers is one more way we are continuing to enhance access to specialized care locally. This new affiliation reinforces our patients-first commitment to provide high-quality, affordable care close to home."