The Christ Hospital Health Network Joins Markey Affiliate Network

The Christ Hospital Health Network (TCHHN) in Cincinnati, Oh., announced today an affiliation with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, the state's first and only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. The affiliation will provide patients with more cancer treatment options and advanced education and research. “We look forward to expanding healthcare choices for patients with cancer with this affiliation,” said Mike Keating, president and CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network. “Our cancer experts will work closely with their colleagues at the UK Markey Cancer Center to advance high-quality care, with a focus on exceptional outcomes, affordable care and the finest patient and family experiences.” “Our world-renowned physicians from the best educational institutions in the country, are critical, driving factors in our recognition, including high performing in our region by U.S. News & World Report," said Dr. Brian Mannion, medical director of oncology services at The Christ Hospital Health Network. "UK has a long-standing history as Kentucky’s top academic medical center. This affiliation will allow us to do even more for our cancer patients, particularly as we expand access to needed cancer services in Northern Kentucky.” For the last 30 years, The Christ Hospital Health Network has been recognized as a national leader in cancer clinical trials with research and innovation that has led to breakthrough medical advances and improved outcomes. The Christ Hospital Health Network averages 30 active studies, from phase I through phase IV, and is affiliated with leading national research institutions, individuals, groups and corporations. Through The Christ Hospital Health Network’s commitment to transforming care and expanding patient access and convenience in Northern Kentucky and across the region, patients will now have access to significant clinical cancer trials in Northern Kentucky through the UK Markey Cancer Center’s designation as a National Cancer Institute cancer center, one of only 68 cancer centers in the country and the only one in Kentucky. “We are providing choice to our patients and their families with cancer without the stress and inconvenience of having to travel to other parts of the country,” Keating said. “Providing access to quality healthcare services where people live and work is at the heart of The Christ Hospital Health Network’s mission and is one of the key reasons we have been recognized by local consumers as the Most Preferred provider in the region for 19 consecutive years.” "The burden of cancer in this area is huge, and reducing its impact requires collaboration and teamwork from many excellent community hospitals in the region," said Dr. Tim Mullett, director of the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network. "Bringing The Christ Hospital Health Network into the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network is another major step toward improving cancer care in Kentucky and beyond." The affiliation provides many benefits to patients and physicians, including: · More patient choice and convenient access · New and innovative cancer treatments · Cutting-edge clinical trials consultations with specialists and subspecialists · Multidisciplinary cancer conferences, where physicians share knowledge, experience and explore new approaches to treatment · Program support in medical oncology/hematology, pathology, molecular diagnostics, pharmacy, nursing and dietetics · Access to the latest education and training for physicians, nurses and other caregivers · Support for community outreach and education activities. The Christ Hospital Health Network is the first affiliate hospital from outside the state of Kentucky. The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network began in 2006 and now comprises 13 hospitals: The Christ Hospital Health Network, Cincinnati Frankfort Regional Medical Center Georgetown Community Hospital Hardin Memorial Hospital, Elizabethtown Harlan ARH Hospital Harrison Memorial Hospital, Cynthiana Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center Methodist Hospital, Henderson Norton Cancer Institute, Louisville (Norton Healthcare-UK HealthCare partnership) Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, Ashland Rockcastle Regional Hospital, Mt. Vernon St. Claire Regional Medical Center, Morehead Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center, South Williamson