Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network opened an after-hours cancer clinic, one of the first clinics of its kind in western Pennsylvania, according to the health system.
The AHN Cancer Institute Extended Hours Oncology Clinic will be able to treat patients experiencing certain side effects from cancer treatment, with an eye toward avoiding unnecessary emergency department use.
The clinic is housed in Pittsburgh-based West Penn Hospital's Mellon Pavilion Medical Oncology Clinic. A certified registered nurse practitioner, a registered nurse and a medical assistant working under the direction of an oncologist will treat patients Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
"The extended hours clinic for oncology patients is expected to optimize clinical outcomes, reduce hospital admissions and readmissions, expand access to at-home, supportive and palliative care and enhance the patient experience while reducing the cost of care," said David Parda, MD, chair of AHN Cancer Institute. "It is a positive step forward for healthcare in western Pennsylvania, and most importantly, for our patients."