Holy Cross Hospital
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

In June, 2001, Holy Cross Hospital's Michael and Dianne Bienes Cancer Center became the one of the first TELESYNERGY® pilot systems as part of the Partnerships in Science(TM) Program. Holy Cross Hospital was the first permanent, fully functional TELESYNERGY® site located outside the NIH campus.

"Partnerships without walls is our way of looking at it," said Dr. Frank Govern, Special Advisor to the Director, Division of Clinical Services. "We're going to take what we do in the laboratory and move it quickly to the clinic. That is the way you get answers to questions."

The Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center treats the whole patient. Surrounding the patient and family is an array of highly trained medical specialists, social workers, nutritionists, clinical pharmacists, pastoral counselors and nursing care managers. We are proud to further enhance this multidisciplinary delivery of care to our South Florida community by dedicating valuable space in the Bienes Center and installing the advanced TELESYNERGY® equipment. This watershed initiative, and the clinical protocols available through our affiliation with the NCI, provide our community with the vital resources so necessary in the fight against cancer.

"It's thrilling to watch as this partnership evolves," said John C. Johnson, President and CEO of Holy Cross Hospital. "We are extremely proud of this partnership, which will lead to a heightened state of clinical research in our community and contribute to national efforts to effectively diagnose and treat cancer."

The partnership, combined with the ongoing expansion of the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center, reinforces Holy Cross Hospital's commitment to meeting the expanding medical and healthcare needs of the Broward County community.

Holy Cross Hospital, a member of Catholic Health East, is a not-for-profit, religiously sponsored hospital in Fort Lauderdale. Founded in 1955, the Sisters of Mercy have sponsored the Hospital since 1959.

Equipment installed at this site: Full TELESYNERGY® system using NIH software on a Sun Workstation.