Holy Redeemer Expands Breast Health Care Program

Meadowbrook, PA--Holy Redeemer has created a comprehensive breast health program that offers women access to state-of-the-art diagnostics, the latest treatment options, an array of educational resources, and outstanding ancillary services.

“Women’s health is an important focus for Holy Redeemer,” says Dr. Larry Iannarone, a surgeon at the hospital’s Bott Cancer Center who led the development of the program. “Now, we have brought together all of our expertise in the area of breast health and breast cancer and put it in one comprehensive program.”

The breast health program encompasses the many components needed to diagnose and treat women quickly and effectively. One such component is the recent addition of breast surgeons Dr. Stacy Krisher, Dr. Catherine Carruthers and program medical director Dr. Beth DuPree. The expertise of the three surgeons compliments an already exceptional physician base at Holy Redeemer.

“Having had my first breast biopsy a few years ago, I am keenly aware of the anxiety that all women face when they undergo a mammogram or biopsy,” says DuPree, who has received numerous awards for her medical work and humanitarian endeavors. “I appreciate that each part of this new program puts the needs of women first.”

Another benefit of the program is called Fast Track.  “From an abnormal mammogram to a breast biopsy, the time between appointments can be emotional and difficult for many women,” says Heidi Volpe, director of the Bott Cancer Center. “Fast Track expedites the scheduling of patient appointments.”

The process is also more effective thanks to the program’s breast health navigator. The navigator, a registered nurse with an oncology background, acts as a dedicated care coordinator for patients – providing guidance, support and education.

“This person serves as an advocate for patients, empowering them with knowledge,” says Volpe. “The navigator helps patients and families understand the information given to them and ensure that all appointments are timely. She helps to create a plan of care that organizes all important information for patients and lets them know what they need – such as referrals or to have prescriptions filled. The plan of care is also communicated to each physician involved in a patient’s care.”

A team approach ensures that all patients’ needs are addressed. That’s why the program also includes regular team meetings, says Volpe.

“We hold multidisciplinary breast case conferences every other week. The entire cancer center team – from surgeons and medical oncologists to radiation oncologists and plastic surgeons – takes part. Each patient’s case is discussed at this meeting. We find these meetings help us communicate effectively with regard to patient care and expedite the treatment process for patients.”

Volpe adds, “Combined with state-of-the-art diagnostics, such as digital mammography and MRI breast imaging, each program component ensures that we provide the highest quality care. And better outcomes for women are what it’s all about.”

About Holy Redeemer Health System

With an emphasis on providing a continuum of care, Holy Redeemer Health System remains true to the mission to care, comfort and heal that its sponsors, the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer, began in our region in 1924 – to provide high quality, compassionate care. Today, Holy Redeemer offers a wide range of healthcare and health-related services, including an acute care hospital, home health and hospice services, two skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, a retirement community, low-income housing, an active living community, and a transitional housing program for homeless women and children. With corporate offices in Huntingdon Valley, PA, Holy Redeemer Health System is a Catholic healthcare provider, serving southeastern Pennsylvania and 11 counties in New Jersey, from Union County south to Cape May County.

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