[Source: Ken Alltucker, Arizona Republic] — The University of Arizona is pursuing negotiations with St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center that could bring a branch of the Arizona Cancer Center to central Phoenix. UA representatives envision a clinic, perhaps at or near the hospital’s campus, that would include cutting-edge cancer treatments for patients as well as research opportunities for students, faculty and physicians at UA’s medical school in Phoenix.
Both sides confirm that they have been discussing a partnership for months, but many questions remain unanswered about a possible deal. “We are continuing discussion with (St. Joseph’s) about co-locating a center,” said William Crist, vice president for health affairs for UA’s College of Medicine. “It is not a done deal. It is discussions we’ve been having.”
Neither UA officials nor representatives of St. Joseph’s would publicly reveal estimates of how much such a new cancer center would cost or proposed locations for the center. Officials hope to narrow down choices on a location within a matter of weeks. Further complicating the potential for quick action on a new cancer center are the state’s budget woes, which could make it difficult for the university to fund a Phoenix branch of the cancer center.
UA’s Arizona Cancer Center, which is based in Tucson, has long coveted a Phoenix location. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
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