Southern Illinois Healthcare is joining the Siteman Cancer Network - a partnership that leaders hope will increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment in this region.
Doctor Timothy Eberlein is Director of the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, along with being Chair of Surgery at Washington University's Medical School and their Associate Dean for Cancer Programs. He says by joining Siteman's Cancer Network, SIH is providing increased access to care for patients across southern Illinois.
"Through our combined efforts, we could reduce the number of late-stage patients who come to SIH, and have more early-stage patients who are going to have better outcomes. I think that would be a home run."
Doctor Muhammad Popalzai is Medical Director of SIH's Cancer Center in Carterville. He says care will remain local, but this partnership brings higher levels of expertise to the equation.
"If the physician feels that you are best treated here, then you are treated here. And if they feel that you are better off being treated at a tertiary care center like Siteman in this case, we will find a way to have you established with them."
Popalzai and Eberlein say the partnership also increases advocacy and awareness opportunities throughout the region - boosting the availability of screenings and early detection.
Siteman's Cancer Network includes hospitals in Alton, IL, Columbia, MO, and Rolla, MO. They also collaborate with the SIU School of Medicine's Simmons Cancer Institute along with hospitals in Springfield, IL, Springfield, MO, and Kansas City.
This new collaboration with Siteman strengthens a bond between SIH and BJC in St. Louis, bringing higher leves of care to patients across the SIH system.
SIH's Cancer Institue sees nearly 300 patients every day. Leaders say helping patients stay closer to home as they receive their care helps improve overall outcomes, and lessens the financial burden on families and caregivers.
