Hartford HealthCare is set to significantly expand its relationship with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) to transform cancer care and research across Connecticut, US.  

The collaboration will see the establishment of a new Hartford HealthCare Cancer Center in Fairfield, construction on which is already underway. 

The latest announcement builds on a decade-long alliance, as part of which Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute joined the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance as the first member.  

Hartford will now collaborate with MSK to join Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK Care Partners) as the first “care partner”. 

The new MSK Care Partners programme was announced at Hartford HealthCare's 25,000ft² facility currently under development near the Merritt Parkway in Fairfield.  

The Fairfield Cancer Center, St Vincent's Medical Center, as well as other Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute locations, will become MSK Care Partners after an extensive review of their respective oncology programme's processes and outcomes. 

In addition, the Fairfield Cancer Center will offer outpatient services with Hartford HealthCare's expert physicians on-site, working to meet MSK's stringent standards.  

Hartford HealthCare is also planning to establish a dedicated cancer unit at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport to deliver inpatient oncology care in a dedicated area for optimal patient care and experience. 

Once the process of review is complete, patients of Hartford HealthCare will benefit from enhanced cancer care, incorporating MSK's guidelines, practices, and procedures while under local physicians' care.  

This partnership is further expected to facilitate the rapid adoption of the latest cancer care standards in the community and broaden access to MSK's pioneering research programmes, including clinical trials. 

Meanwhile, Hartford HealthCare physicians will gain access to MSK's expertise, enabling them to consult with MSK's highly specialised experts on the best treatment plans for their patients.  

Hartford HealthCare president and CEO Jeffrey Flaks said: “We are proud to deepen our collaboration with MSK's world-renowned experts to elevate cancer care and to work to earn designation as an MSK Care Partner. This is a transformative moment for cancer care in Connecticut as we work together to provide greater access to cutting-edge treatments and innovative clinical research.”