HARRISON TWP. — Inspira Health Network has announced an affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University and Health System (Jefferson) that will provide a new level of specialty health care services to residents in South Jersey.
The affiliation will expand several of Inspira’s key clinical programs by linking community physicians with Jefferson sub specialists involved in related clinical and research activities. As part of the new relationship Inspira and Jefferson will collaborate to develop a jointly owned and staffed ambulatory care facility to be built in Gloucester County.
“Inspira is very pleased to partner with Jefferson in southern New Jersey to offer our patients an even higher level of advanced health care services,” said John DiAngelo, Inspira Health Network President and CEO. “This affiliation complements our strengths and brings a variety of clinical services normally only available in academic medical centers here to our community. Most of all, it allows our neighbors to receive excellent care closer to home.”
“South Jersey residents have always been a part of the Jefferson community,” said Stephen K. Klasko, M.D., MBA, President and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health System. “I’m thrilled that Jefferson is expanding our compassionate care and innovative research across the bridge through this partnership with Inspira Health Network.”
Through the affiliation, Jefferson will bring their physicians and clinical expertise to South Jersey. The partnership will also allow Inspira physicians and staff to connect with their Jefferson peers and collaborate to provide even more advanced care to New Jersey patients.
In the affiliation agreement, Inspira and Jefferson have agreed to work together, initially in three key clinical areas.
Cancer Services
With teams of experienced oncologists in Cumberland and Gloucester counties, and an award-winning cancer program in Vineland, Inspira Health Network provides a strong foundation of excellent cancer care in South Jersey.
The affiliation will provide community oncologists in Cumberland and Gloucester Counties with access to the expertise of Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center to enhance access to clinical trials and sub specialty services such as genetic counseling and oncological surgery further enhancing the quality of cancer care available in our region.
Since 1993, the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, one of 68 NCI-designated cancer centers in the U.S., has provided access to the latest developments in cancer research, technology and treatment. The center offers patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials utilizing advanced approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.
Neurosciences
With three of its acute care hospitals designated as primary stroke centers, Inspira will team with Jefferson to further enhance the quality of neuroscience care in our region by expanding neuroscience coverage and leveraging technology to provide immediate access to fellowship trained physicians. As the only dedicated hospital for neuroscience in the Philadelphia region, the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience provides the most advanced treatment and leading-edge research. Their team of world-class specialists were the first in the region to offer such state-of-the-art technologies as stereotactic radiotherapy, Gamma Knife®, Shaped Beam Surgery™, and minimally invasive neurosurgery using robotically controlled microscopes.
Gastroenterology
Inspira recently completed construction of a comprehensive gastroenterology center on Red Bank Avenue in Woodbury where Jefferson physicians will provide advanced diagnostic services. Jefferson's Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology is one of the leading programs in the nation for the diagnosis, treatment, research and education of diseases of the digestive tract and liver. Jefferson’s Digestive Disease Institute features renowned specialists in gastrointestinal endoscopy, gastrointestinal motility, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreaticobiliary diseases, celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and liver transplantation.
A Joint Venture Ambulatory Care Facility
As part of the affiliation, Inspira and Jefferson have agreed to build a new free standing ambulatory care facility in northeastern Gloucester County. The facility would house a comprehensive cancer center that will be part of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Network and provide space for a number of Inspira/Jefferson services including the treatment of movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease, chronic headaches and epilepsy.
The comprehensive cancer center to be located at the site will offer state of the art radiation therapy, medical and surgical oncology services, genetic counseling, and the coordination of referrals and second opinions between Inspira and Jefferson cancer physicians. Inspira will continue to provide comprehensive care at its cancer pavilion in Vineland.
The new Inspira / Jefferson ambulatory care facility will also provide physician office space, allowing Inspira to provide a variety of specialty care to the local community.
