Riverside, UVA Health partner to increase complex care, clinical trial options in Hampton Roads
Riverside Health System and University of Virginia Health have partnered to streamline access to medical trials and complex care.
The partnership, announced last week, means that UVA Health now holds a 5% ownership of Riverside while Riverside will get assistance to build more health resources in the Hampton Roads region, according to the announcement.
A relationship like this has been part of Riverside’s strategic plan for years, according to Dr. Mike Dacey, the CEO of Riverside. He said the partnership will bring “real benefit” to patients as it gives those with the most complicated health conditions more access to clinical trials.
One such malady is lung cancer. Riverside can connect patients with UVA resources for different gene therapies that require clinical trials, according to Davey.
The partnership is also part of a long-term investment as it will help Riverside establish new clinical programming, such as cardiac surgery, and training of the future health care workforce, according to Dacey.
UVA will station a health coordinator in the region to help with connecting Riverside patients to complex care, such as organ transplants and medical trials, if they choose.
The two health organizations have matched up before. In 2005, a joint partnership between Chesapeake Regional, UVA and Riverside established a stereotactic radiosurgery center at Riverside Regional Medical Center that uses radiation beams to treat tumors, lesions and disorders, according to Riverside and UVa.
“UVA’s new strategic partnership with Riverside will enable greater access to outstanding patient care and medical training for communities in Eastern Virginia,” said UVA President James Ryan in the joint Riverside and UVA release.
Ian Munro, 757-447-4097, ian.munro@virginiamedia.com
