Ascension St. Vincent’s and Cancer Specialists of North Florida announced a strategic partnership Sept. 5 that will make Cancer Specialists the preferred provider for cancer care at all Ascension St. Vincent’s hospitals.
Ascension St. Vincent’s has four hospitals in Northeast Florida and is one of the area’s largest health care systems in the region.
Cancer Specialists of North Florida is the largest cancer treatment provider in Northeast Florida, according to a news release.
The doctor-run practice has 13 locations in the region, including offices at or near each of Ascension St. Vincent’s campuses.
The partnership will help ensure patients can conveniently access quality cancer care, said Don King, president and CEO of Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast.
It also helps coordinate care.
It means “more alignment of care and more navigation of care for the patient,” said Dr. Yousif Abubakr, board president of Cancer Specialists of North Florida.
The practice offers “comprehensive services, including medical and radiation oncology, clinical research, licensed clinical social workers, registered dietitians, financial counselors, patient navigators, and nurse case managers,” the release said.
“CSNF brings a unique, holistic approach to our partnership, ensuring patients are physically, mentally and emotionally supported.”
They also focus on the office experience for patients and bringing care close to patients’ homes, Abubakr said.
“In terms of access, partnering with someone who is already proven in this field is ideal, rather than starting from scratch. They have a terrific reputation for being able to do that,” King said.
Abubakr said the organizations share a mission to “treat people in the community, irrespective of who they are” and whether they are insured, underinsured or lack health insurance, he said.
“We are here to treat whoever comes through the doors. We are very humbled that we are chosen as a partner, and we don’t take it for granted,” he said.
The four Ascension St. Vincent’s hospitals in the region are Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside; Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside; Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County; and Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns.
Cancer Specialists of North Florida has offices in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler and St. Johns counties.
It recently opened an office in Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns, and is renovating its radiation oncology center at the Mary Virginia Terry Cancer Center at Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside, with build-out to include medical oncology. The completion target date is summer 2024.