September 23, 2014 — Memorial Hermann Health System and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center announced a new partnership to provide a new level of specialized breast screening at a network of community breast care centers in the greater Houston area.
Starting in late November, MD Anderson will become the exclusive provider of professional breast radiology services for five of Memorial Hermann’s 10 breast care centers, located in Memorial City, The Woodlands, Northeast, Southwest and Sugar Land.
Over time, the network will expand to Memorial Hermann’s locations in Katy, Pearland, Pasadena, Upper Kirby and Northwest. In addition, expansion planning is underway for centers in Cypress, South Katy and Spring.
Under the agreement, the breast screening network will offer screening and diagnostic services, utilizing existing Memorial Hermann facilities and technical resources, including equipment and staff. MD Anderson‘s fellowship trained, subspecialized breast radiologists will interpret the screening or diagnostic images, perform biopsies if needed and consult with patients and physicians.
The University of Texas Board of Regents approved the agreement Aug. 21 at its regular meeting.
“Memorial Hermann and MD Anderson share a commitment to provide high quality cancer care to communities across our region,” said Dan Wolterman, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System. “Our partnership will combine the convenience and advanced technologies of Memorial Hermann’s breast imaging centers with interpretation and consultation from the world renowned cancer expertise of MD Anderson, enabling our institutions to provide patients with unparalleled access to specialized breast imaging services close to home.”
The Memorial Hermann and MD Anderson partnership is designed to expand access to high quality screening, specialty breast care and research into a community setting, while giving patients the flexibility and convenience of staying close to home through the expansive Memorial Hermann network.
“We’re excited to join with Memorial Hermann, one of the nation’s leading health care organizations, to deliver high quality, collaborative breast care to women across the Houston area,” said MD Anderson President Ronald A. DePinho, M.D. “Prevention, early detection, risk reduction, education and outreach are key components of our mission. This collaboration allows us to take our screening expertise to more women, who can take comfort in knowing their imaging will be provided by radiologists who have dedicated their careers to caring for patients with cancer.”
For more information: www.memorialhermann.org