Latest news with #cancerCare
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Lack of doctors causing cancer delays
A senior radiologist has said there are not enough doctors to keep up with the number of cancer patients needing scan results, diagnosis and treatment. Dr Tom Roques, vice president of clinical oncology at the Royal College of Radiologists, who also works at Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital, claimed the NHS was struggling to meet the government's 62-day diagnosis targets in cancer care. However, Steffan Aquarone, North Norfolk MP, believed another significant challenge was ensuring patients in rural areas could access treatment. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "We are determined to tackle delays, diagnose cancer earlier and treat it faster." Dr Roques described a shortage of both radiologists and doctors. He said: "People are waiting for scan results or waiting for diagnoses and we're also really short of cancer doctors. "There are delays further down the line in actually having that treatment because there aren't enough people to provide it." However, he says the problem was not just a Norfolk issue. "We are just not able to meet the government-set targets which themselves, are not that ambitious really. "If you don't have the staff and nurses and the physical space to treat them [patients] then people are not going to be able to have the treatment they deserve." Matt Sample, from Cancer Research UK, said the 62-day government target had been missed annually since 2015, with 74,000 people not beginning treatment within that target last year. He said: "For people affected by cancer, every single day waiting to get that diagnosis and begin treatment is a worrying and stressful time even when they are seen within targets. "When those targets are missed, those worries and stresses are just compounded - it can impact their treatment options and ultimately their outcomes. Liberal Democrat Aquarone agreed, saying "more people die than are necessary". He remains concerned about the ability of people in rural areas to get cancer care. "This is entirely about access to treatment," he said. Julie Keeling, nurse director for planned care at Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital, said: "Our latest validated figures show that as of March 2025, 51.8 % of patients receiving first treatment for cancer are treated by day 62, with 48.2 % of patients waiting over 62 days for first cancer treatment. It is encouraging that this is an improvement on previous data. "We know that we have more to do and are sorry that some patients have had to wait longer than expected to see us following a cancer referral." The Department of Health and Social Care said: "We are delivering 40,000 more appointments every week, investing £1.5bn in both new surgical hubs and AI scanners, rolling out cutting-edge radiotherapy machines to every region in the country and backing our radiologists and oncologists with above inflation pay rises for the second year in a row." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Cancer patient's treatment was delayed - coroner Hospital praised for breast cancer surgery wait time Hospital has second-longest waiting time for care NHS struggling to provide safe cancer care, say doctors Department of Health and Social Care Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Cancer Research UK
BBC News
5 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Norwich radiologist says lack of doctors is causing cancer delays
A senior radiologist has said there are not enough doctors to keep up with the number of cancer patients needing scan results, diagnosis and treatment. Dr Tom Roques, vice president of clinical oncology at the Royal College of Radiologists, who also works at Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital, claimed the NHS was struggling to meet the government's 62-day diagnosis targets in cancer care. However, Steffan Aquarone, North Norfolk MP, believed another significant challenge was ensuring patients in rural areas could access treatment. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "We are determined to tackle delays, diagnose cancer earlier and treat it faster." Dr Roques described a shortage of both radiologists and doctors. He said: "People are waiting for scan results or waiting for diagnoses and we're also really short of cancer doctors."There are delays further down the line in actually having that treatment because there aren't enough people to provide it."However, he says the problem was not just a Norfolk issue. "We are just not able to meet the government-set targets which themselves, are not that ambitious really."If you don't have the staff and nurses and the physical space to treat them [patients] then people are not going to be able to have the treatment they deserve." Matt Sample, from Cancer Research UK, said the 62-day government target had been missed annually since 2015, with 74,000 people not beginning treatment within that target last year. He said: "For people affected by cancer, every single day waiting to get that diagnosis and begin treatment is a worrying and stressful time even when they are seen within targets. "When those targets are missed, those worries and stresses are just compounded - it can impact their treatment options and ultimately their outcomes. Liberal Democrat Aquarone agreed, saying "more people die than are necessary". He remains concerned about the ability of people in rural areas to get cancer care. "This is entirely about access to treatment," he said. Julie Keeling, nurse director for planned care at Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital, said: "Our latest validated figures show that as of March 2025, 51.8 % of patients receiving first treatment for cancer are treated by day 62, with 48.2 % of patients waiting over 62 days for first cancer treatment. It is encouraging that this is an improvement on previous data."We know that we have more to do and are sorry that some patients have had to wait longer than expected to see us following a cancer referral."The Department of Health and Social Care said: "We are delivering 40,000 more appointments every week, investing £1.5bn in both new surgical hubs and AI scanners, rolling out cutting-edge radiotherapy machines to every region in the country and backing our radiologists and oncologists with above inflation pay rises for the second year in a row." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
SOS cancer hotline making ‘a real, tangible difference in the lives of people going through chemotherapy'
An SOS hotline has saved Pauline Doyle, who is being treated for breast cancer , from many trips to a hospital emergency department over the past two years. In this case, SOS stands for Sort Out my Symptoms and it was an initiative that was kick-started by the Covid-19 pandemic. Five years on, this early intervention service has more than proved its worth in keeping vulnerable cancer patients in active treatment away from extra visits to hospital if at all possible, or at least bypassing the ED. 'It is the nearest thing we have to scheduling non-scheduled care,' says Maria Gillespie, assistant director of nursing for what is formally known as the Acute Haematology Oncology nursing Service (AHOS). It started in 2020, when the National Cancer Control Programme received funding for a designated nurse specialist in each of the 26 hospital cancer centres around the State . They were to be available at the end of a phone line for patients in treatment who felt unwell at home. It has grown as a national network since, standardising the approach to ensure there is no so-called 'postcode lottery' at play in this aspect of care. Identical information leaflets and alert cards are handed out at each centre and are available in 10 languages. An additional 18 nurse specialists are now being recruited to bolster the service in the busiest hospitals. READ MORE 'In 2020, we received 1,137 calls,' says Gilliespie. 'Last year, in 2024, we received 21,873 calls. We know it works.' Pauline Doyle. Doyle, who lives in Drumsna, Co Leitrim, and attends St James's Hospital in Dublin for her cancer treatment, says the SOS hotline is something that makes 'a real, tangible difference in the lives of people going through chemotherapy'. She was diagnosed at the end of 2023, after finding a lump in a breast and going to her GP. A mother of two children, aged 10 and 12, she had six months of pre-surgery chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy after her surgery. She is currently undergoing one year of post-surgery chemotherapy, for which she visits St James's once every three weeks. 'From very early on, and I think this is probably a lot of people's experience, I've had issues with my chemo, and difficulty managing side effects. I've required [hospital] admission a few times. So to have this service has been absolutely invaluable. It has kept me away from the emergency department on lots of occasions. [ I was completely numb and couldn't take it in - I didn't think I would hear the words, 'sorry, you have breast cancer' Opens in new window ] 'It's amazing to have somebody at the end of the line that knows you, that knows your case, that knows your history. Sometimes it's something small. All you need is a piece of advice – take this medication, take that medication. Other times it's, 'Come in and we'll see you.'' If a patient does need to go in after being triaged over the phone, they can go straight to the cancer ward to be seen by that nurse, who will then get a doctor to review them. Blood tests can be done immediately. At the outset of treatment, Doyle, who is currently on leave from work as a mental health nurse, was allergic to her first chemotherapy drugs. 'I came out in very bad skin rashes.' She was ringing the hotline for management of that and the dermatology service was organised to see her as soon as she went in. She has experienced various health issues since, the most recent proving to be a chest infection. Again, the call to the nurse specialist ensured they were all ready for her after she was advised to come in. 'I attended with persistent coughing and they got me a chest X-ray and bloods organised straight away. They could give me the all clear that day, start me on the course of medication and get me turned around and home within an hour or two.' Doyle does not like to think how long all that might have taken if she had gone through the ED, which she has had to do on occasion if in trouble over the weekend when the nurse specialist was off. While she stresses that the ED staff are fantastic, the difference between going through ED and using the SOS hotline is 'night and day'. Gillespie is full of enthusiasm for how well the service is working. 'Really strong foundations have been laid and we're well positioned to grow.' Maria Gillespie, AHOS assistant director of nursing However, she is also mindful that 'the current model is really vulnerable' because many of the cancer centres still have just one nurse providing the service. There is no cover at weekends or during their six weeks of annual holidays. 'When that nurse goes on leave, the impact is instant,' she says. There are plans to build it up into a 24/7 service, but, in the meantime, they have decided to use the allocation of €700,000 ring-fenced annual funding for the 18 additional posts to strengthen it Monday to Friday. 'We've done a really detailed health needs assessment for where we allocate those,' says Gillespie, who explains how the AHOS works. It was adopted from a system that has been operating in the UK for 20 years. Anybody receiving cancer treatment, be that chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy, is informed by a nurse specialist about the possible side effects. They are also given a dedicated SOS hotline number to ring if they have any worries and issues such as high or low temperature, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue, anorexia, constipation, urinary symptoms. During the phone call they will be triaged through a standardised system. The next steps are planned according to that assessment. If it's a 'red' symptom, such as a fever, that patient requires an urgent, in-hospital check. 'It can signal an infection and/or sepsis and both of them can be life-threatening for cancer patients.' [ Breakthrough by DCU researcher promises improved 'chemo' with fewer side effects Opens in new window ] If it's an 'amber' assessment, that means the patient has to be seen within 24 hours. However, if the patient has two ambers, then the nurse specialist will escalate them straight away to a red. A 'green' symptom is a side effect that can be managed at home with self-care and follow-up advice. There are no 'wrong' reasons for using the hotline, she stresses, and over time a trusting relationship builds up between the patient and their nurse specialist. Video-enabled care is also being rolled out as part of this service, after a successful pilot project that was started in Naas hospital last year. In nearly 20 of the cancer centres the nurse specialist now has a widescreen monitor on which they review symptoms that can be shown by a patient using their smartphone or other device. The ability to view common problems, such as a sore mouth or infected Hickman line (tube into vein), makes a significant difference in the accuracy of assessment gradings. 'That early intervention is key; being able to actually see patients, that prevents the symptom from becoming worse,' says Gillespie. 'It prevents the patient having to call an ambulance the following day and somebody being in a totally different situation.' Previously, patients may have delayed seeking care because they could not face going through ED. 'There will always be times when patients have to go to the emergency department, if someone has chest pain, for example,' says Gillespie, 'but it's really to avoid as many visits as possible. Cancer patients don't belong in the ED.' The AHOS staff love their jobs, she says, because they can see the very positive benefits for patients. Every time she visits one of the hospitals involved, she always drives away reflecting on the 'phenomenal' impact that one nurse specialist can make. 'The service shows what's possible,' she adds, 'when you put patient-centred design, national leadership and expert nursing together.' From her personal experience, Doyle wholeheartedly supports further resourcing of the SOS hotline network, towards a 24/7 operation. 'When you're really struggling with side effects, it means an awful lot to be able to access a service like this that can look after you and that know you, and that you're not waiting in a big system to get through.'
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Blue Cross Collaborates with GBA Healthcare Institutions to Build an End-to-End, Seamless and High-Quality Cross-Border Healthcare Ecosystem
(From left to right) Mr. Zhang Xuming, Associate General Manager of Guangzhou United Family Hospital; Mr. Tong Ka Kei, Chief Executive Officer of HEAL Medical and HKIOC; Mr. Brian Siu, Executive Director of New Frontier and Chief Operating Officer of New Frontier GBA; Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross; Ms. Phyllis Chang, Director of Operations and Technology of Blue Cross; Dr. Wong Chi Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Chen Xinghai Medical Group Through this collaboration, eligible individual and group Moreover, cancer patients can access comprehensive, one-stop diagnostic imaging and oncology treatment services at New Frontier Group's HKIOC and HEAL Oncology. Equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed by experienced specialists, the centres provide comprehensive services from early diagnosis to personalised treatment plans and systemic therapy. Patients may opt for cross-border cancer care through their oncology network in the GBA. Their services are patient-centric and are designed to ensure patients and their families can focus fully on treatment without distractions. Eligible 1 to facilitate expedited cross-border medical appointments for eligible customers. GBA Healthcare Service Network Key Features of the GBA Cross-Border Healthcare Services 1. Value-based end-to-end solutions across the border prioritising affordability and seamless medical experiences. Through this collaboration, eligible individual and group medical insurance customers of Blue Cross can directly book consultations and surgical operations across the border at UFH's two integrated hospitals in the GBA – Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital and Guangzhou United Family Hospital – as well as Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Hospital. Should a medical procedure or surgery be required after consultation, the doctor will apply for pre-treatment assessments and direct billing services, allowing customers to focus on treatment and recovery without worrying about medical expenses, and delivering a truly seamless, quality and worry-free healthcare cancer patients can access comprehensive, one-stop diagnostic imaging and oncology treatment services at New Frontier Group's HKIOC and HEAL Oncology. Equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed by experienced specialists, the centres provide comprehensive services from early diagnosis to personalised treatment plans and systemic therapy. Patients may opt for cross-border cancer care through their oncology network in the GBA. Their services are patient-centric and are designed to ensure patients and their families can focus fully on treatment without medical insurance customers may obtain a free medical consultation for cancer diagnosis. Blue Cross has established a dedicated customer service teamto facilitate expedited cross-border medical appointments for eligible customers.1. Value-based end-to-end solutions across the border prioritising affordability and seamless medical experiences. 1 This service is provided by Blue Cross appointed third party service provider. 2 Direct billing service: Letters of Guarantee/credit limits are subject to the sum assured, and the insured may bear costs exceeding the approved amount/credit limit. 3 Dedicated hotline is provided by Blue Cross appointed third party service provider. 4 Free dental cleaning service is provided by designated hospital appointed by Blue Cross. Disclaimers: This press release is for distribution in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region only. The distribution of this press release is not and shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or a provision of any insurance product outside Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. It is not affiliated with or related in any way to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association or any of its affiliates or licensees. Free dental cleaning service is provided by designated hospital appointed by Blue Cross. HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 June 2025 - Blue Cross (Asia Pacific) Insurance Company Limited ("Blue Cross") is pleased to announce today a collaboration with United Family Healthcare ("UFH"), Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre ("HKIOC") and HEAL Oncology under New Frontier Group, and Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine ("Chen Xinghai Hospital"). They join forces to create a premium healthcare ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area ("GBA"), providing Hong Kong customers with value-based, end-to-end cross-border healthcare services that underscore quality, accessibility, affordability and seamless connectivity.2. Doctor-driven application for medical expense pre-treatment assessment and direct billing servicesstreamlining treatment and claims experience.3. Dedicated hotlinefor Hong Kong customers for cross-border medical enquiries and expedited appointment bookings.4. Comprehensive end-to-end support from eligibility checks and appointment scheduling to treatment preparation, hospitalisation documentation and travel advice.5. Concierge-style hospitalisation services at UFH hospitals with dedicated staff offering in-room check-in and check-out assistance.6. Eligible medical insurance customers may receive one free dental cleaning servicefrom Blue "We are thrilled to collaborate with exceptional medical institutions including New Frontier Group's United Family Healthcare, Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre and HEAL Oncology, and Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Hospital to create a seamless healthcare ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area. Our direct billing service enhances customers' medical and claims experience across the border. We strive to complement their healthcare journey from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and recovery, supporting them at every critical juncture. Tailored to the diverse needs and budgets of our customers, we provide more high-quality, affordable and 'Just Right' healthcare options and deliver a truly seamless, end-to-end experience in the GBA."remarked, "With the growing trend of Hong Kong residents seeking medical care in the mainland, Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital and Guangzhou United Family Hospital's strategic locations offer unmatched convenience. Most importantly, both hospitals are equipped with advanced facilities and specialist teams, assuring patients of top-tier medical solutions and care."said, "Since joining New Frontier Group last year, HKIOC has joined forces with HEAL Oncology under HEAL Medical to form Hong Kong's leading private oncology entity. Cancer care is a key focus of our core development efforts, and we are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality medical services. Our case management team provides one-stop support for appointments, follow-up and approval, allowing patients to focus on treatment and recovery. We will continue to partner with different sectors to foster resource sharing and advance healthcare collaboration in the GBA."said, "As the first Guangdong-Hong Kong jointly built hospital of Tier 3 Class A integrating both Chinese and Western medicine and a national clinical trial institution for drugs and medical devices, Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Hospital is among the first batch of designated hospitals to use eligible Hong Kong drugs and medical devices and was included in a pilot scheme for Hong Kong's Elderly Health Care Vouchers. Our oncology centre excels in integrated multidisciplinary treatments that combine Chinese and Western medicine to develop personalised solutions for patients. Through this collaboration, we look forward to offering Hong Kong patients a wider range of therapeutic options."Hashtag: #BlueCross The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited ("Blue Cross") is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. With over 50 years of operational experience in the insurance industry, Blue Cross provides a comprehensive range of products and services including medical, travel and general insurance, which cater to the needs of both individual and corporate customers. Blue Cross distributes its products through various channels, including AIA agency force, online platform, direct sales, BEA network, insurance agents and brokers, as well as travel agencies. In 2024, Blue Cross is assigned financial strength rating of A+ (stable outlook) and issuer credit rating of A+ (stable outlook) by S&P Global Ratings. New Frontier Group New Frontier Group is a Hong Kong-headquartered healthcare and life sciences company committed to advancing health services across China. As a leading integrated healthcare system, the Group has built an extensive network since its founding in 2016, now spanning approximately 92 cities in Mainland China and Hong Kong. Its operations include 22 rehabilitation hospitals and over 300 home care stations, serving nearly 15 million patient visits annually. Under the Group, United Family Healthcare operates 11 general hospitals, 5 oncology centres, and more than 20 clinics nationwide, delivering care to over one million patients each year. Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital stands tall above Shawei metro station, overlooking Shenzhen Bay. With a gross floor area of 73,000 square metres, the hospital is dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of families in Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area. Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital, as an integrated hospital under United Family Healthcare, is an institution participating in the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme Medical Institution, a designated medical institution in the third batch of the Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Medical Device Transit, and has been included in Shenzhen's "First Batch of Pilot Units for International Medical Services". As a general hospital under the United Family Healthcare network, it continues to uphold international service standards. With world-class medical services for all stages of life, the hospital focuses on family medicine combined with specialist services and rigorously follows evidence-based medical practices. For more information, please visit the website of Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital: Guangzhou United Family Hospital Guangzhou United Family Hospital is a comprehensive hospital under United Family Healthcare. Located in the core of the Pazhou CBD in Guangzhou, it offers excellent and high-quality medical and health services to patients, thanks to its advantageous geographical location, a top-notch medical team composed of internationally experienced doctors and domestic experts, as well as advanced medical equipment. Guangzhou United Family Hospital has a total construction area of over 60,000 square metres and more than 100 beds. It offers multidisciplinary professional services in over 60 specialties and sub-specialties, including general practice, internal medicine, surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology, and more. Additionally, it provides special services such as general family medicine, family-integrated delivery rooms, and others. The hospital hopes to enhance specialty exchanges in the cross-border medical field between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong and promote the development of medical services and research projects. For more information, please visit the website of Guangzhou United Family Hospital: Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre Founded in 2015, the Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre, along with the Hong Kong Integrated Diagnostic Imaging Centre, offers cutting-edge, high-quality, and holistic cancer treatment services. Our comprehensive approach includes early diagnosis, radiation therapy, systemic treatments, and supportive care services, such as psychological support and rehabilitation. New Frontier Group acquired the Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre in May 2024. Immediately followed the acquisition, Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre joined forces with New Frontier's subsidiary, HEAL Oncology, to further strengthen multidisciplinary cancer care, ensuring every patient benefits from integrated clinical expertise and the most appropriate, individualised treatment plans. To ensure our patients receive the highest quality of care, the Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and a team of dedicated medical professionals. Our services encompass all aspects of cancer management, from prevention and screening to imaging, diagnosis, laboratory pathology, and multidisciplinary treatment options, including innovative drug therapies and internal/external radiation therapy. Our seamless service process is designed to exemplify excellence in "integrated cancer treatment," ultimately extending patient survival and enhancing quality of life. Please visit for more information. HEAL Oncology HEAL Oncology Limited, also a New Frontier Group subsidiary, is a private oncology centre located in Hong Kong's Central district. The centre offers an extensive array of oncology services accompanied by a diverse range of allied health services. HEAL Oncology is an essential component of HEAL Group, which also includes HEAL Medical Centre (a multispecialty clinic) and HEAL Fertility Centre (an assisted reproductive medicine clinic). These centres are all located within walking distance of each other for convenient patient access, facilitating a multidisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive and personalised treatment. Please visit for more information. Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine As the first Guangdong-Hong Kong jointly built hospital of Tier 3 Class A integrating both Chinese and Western medicine, Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine is among the first batch of designated hospitals to use eligible Hong Kong drugs and medical devices and was included in a pilot scheme for Hong Kong's Elderly Health Care Vouchers. Integrating clinical services, medical education, research, and preventive care, the hospital is led and managed by a Hong Kong-based medical team and accredited as a national clinical trial institution for drugs and medical devices. With a total floor area of 120,000 square metres and 1,100 beds, the hospital delivers over 1 million outpatient and emergency consultations, nearly 35,000 inpatient admissions, and approximately 25,000 surgical procedures each year.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thyme Care Triples Its Multidisciplinary Care Team with Increased Focus on Often-Overlooked Survivorship Population
Oncologist Dr. Asma Dilawari and palliative care physician Dr. Nelia Jain join to expand survivorship program and scale supportive care and palliative care services Expansion coincides with new patient-centered supportive care offerings, including enhanced social work, emotional support, and advanced social needs planning to provide continuous support across the entire cancer journey, from pre-diagnosis through survivorship or end-of-life care Rapid growth with commercial and Medicare Advantage health plans drives care team expansion across all roles, including medical directors, nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, social workers, and navigators NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thyme Care, the leading value-based cancer care enabler, today announced a significant expansion of its survivorship program and comprehensive cancer care services with the appointment of two experienced medical directors: Dr. Asma Dilawari as medical director of oncology care, who will lead the company's survivorship program expansion, and Dr. Nelia Jain as medical director of palliative care, who will scale Thyme Care's virtual palliative care offering, called Enhanced Supportive Care. Drs. Dilawari and Jain join Thyme Care from the FDA and Devoted Health, respectively, with previous roles held at Georgetown University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Survivorship Support For Clinical, Emotional, and Nutritional Needs Beyond Oncology CareMore than 18 million cancer survivors live in the U.S. today, and that number continues to grow as new therapeutics and treatment options lead people to live longer lives. Although survivorship is often a celebratory milestone, it doesn't mean their healthcare support should stop. Many patients continue to manage long-term side effects and emotional distress while continuing to take medications that reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, all while trying to return to work, care for their families, and navigate life after treatment. As someone who deeply understands this patient population, Dr. Dilawari will lead the expansion of Thyme Care's survivorship program to close the critical gaps survivors face. "With over 15 years of experience guiding oncology patients through survivorship, I'm excited to bring these insights to Thyme Care to design systems of support as they enter a new chapter of their care," said Dr. Dilawari. "These patients aren't in active treatment but still may require clinical, emotional, and nutritional guidance that often isn't adequately addressed. At Thyme Care, we want to meet these patients exactly where they are, with personalized care plans grounded in evidence-based guidelines and tailored to each survivor's health goals and needs." At Thyme Care, Dr. Dilawari will support patients in survivorship, continue to advance the company's Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePROs) program, and collaborate with Thyme Care Oncology Partners. She joins the company from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she served as a medical officer in the division of oncology. With over two decades of experience, including roles at Georgetown University and MedStar hospitals supporting survivorship patients, Dr. Dilawari brings regulatory insight and clinical expertise that will reinforce Thyme Care's ability to navigate the evolving oncology landscape. Multidisciplinary Support Across the Entire Cancer Journey Dr. Jain's focus will be to scale Thyme Care's palliative care program, called Enhanced Supportive Care, so that patients have support at every stage of their journey—from early detection through active treatment and into survivorship or end-of-life care. Dr. Jain, formerly the physician lead of complex care at Devoted Health, brings specialized expertise in palliative care and will lead Thyme Care's clinical team in caring for members with serious illness. She previously served as medical director of HeartPal, a palliative care service dedicated to the advancement of palliative care among patients living with advanced heart disease, at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital. At Thyme Care, Dr. Jain will see members for palliative care outpatient appointments, oversee interdisciplinary case conferences, and help scale Thyme Care's Enhanced Supportive Care program. "Thyme Care's commitment to addressing the whole person, not just their medical diagnosis, is what excites me most about joining the company," said Dr. Jain. "Their approach to patient-centered care aligns perfectly with my experience supporting patients with symptom management and complex decision-making across their illness trajectory. I look forward to expanding our palliative care offering across the nation and supporting our clinical team with education and resources to best support our members." Thyme Care has also expanded its emotional support services and advanced social needs assistance with the addition of Stephanie Broadnax Broussard, DSW, LCSW-S, APHSW-C, and a growing team of oncology social workers. Thyme Care recognizes that oncology social workers possess specialized expertise in cancer care, including the psychosocial, emotional, and practical impacts of the disease, its treatment, and the survivorship experience. Thyme Care's social workers are part of Thyme Care's virtual Care Team, consisting of nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, and healthcare navigators, who are closely integrated with the treating oncologist to provide total wraparound care, whether at the clinic, home, or elsewhere. This collaborative approach ensures patients receive coordinated support regardless of location or care setting. "Managing a cancer diagnosis requires more care than what our current system can offer. Our Care Team expansion reflects our commitment to supporting people with cancer in every aspect of their lives, not just their medical diagnosis. And with all the changes happening in our healthcare system, delivering coordinated, patient-first care is more important than ever before," said Dr. Julia Frydman, senior medical director who oversees the clinical team. "The additions of Dr. Dilawari, Dr. Jain, and Stephanie Broussard strengthen our ability to address the complex needs of our members and make a real impact on their cancer journey." About Thyme Care Thyme Care is the leading value-based care enabler, collaborating with payers and providers to transform the experience and outcomes for individuals living with cancer. The company partners with health plans, employers and risk-bearing providers to assume accountability for enhanced care quality, improved health outcomes, and reduced total cost of care. Thyme Care's approach combines a technology-enabled Care Team and seamless integration with more than 800 oncologists in Thyme Care Oncology Partners, creating a hybrid collaborative care model that guides and supports the entire patient journey. Thyme Care empowers oncologists nationwide through purpose-built tech, advanced data analytics, and virtual patient engagement, driving better care and outcomes in value-based arrangements. Thyme Care is a founding member of CancerX, and is backed by leading investors. To learn more about how Thyme Care is enabling the shift to value-based care in oncology, visit ContactKimberly DreisingerThyme Care Communicationspress@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Thyme Care
