West Reading – Reading Hospital – Tower Health and Drexel University College of Medicine have announced a collaboration to develop a new Cystic Fibrosis Clinic located in the Doctor’s Office Building at Reading Hospital. Cecilia Smith, MD, Chair, Department of Medicine, and Michael Stephen, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine Cystic Fibrosis Center Director, shared the news of the collaboration at the Cystic Fibrosis Gala on Saturday, February 9, in Reading. The new clinic is slated to be operational by April 2019 and will be the first adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic in Berks County. This clinic will help make it possible for residents in the community with cystic fibrosis to lead active lives and will provide vital care to patients.
“Reading Hospital is proud to provide this great new service for the community that is made possible through our ongoing relationship with Drexel University College of Medicine,” said William M. Jennings, President and CEO of Reading Hospital. “Now patients across the region will have easy access to receive the treatments – and resources – they need.”
Patients in the clinic will be seen by Pulmonary Medicine physicians from Drexel University College of Medicine as well as members of the Reading Hospital medical staff. Patients with cystic fibrosis require a multidisciplinary approach to care for optimal health and the providers at the clinic will make the important referrals to critical services such as Respiratory Therapy, Infectious Disease, Nutrition Services, and Otolaryngology.
“We look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with Reading Hospital and Tower Health for the benefit of the patients and communities that we serve. The new clinic will participate in clinical trials and important research initiatives, demonstrating our growing relationship and ongoing commitment to the patients and communities,” said Michael Stephen, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine Cystic Fibrosis Center Director.
“This new collaboration meets a critical need in our communities,” said Brian Boland, Co-Chair of the 2019 Cystic Fibrosis Gala. “Patients will no longer need to travel great lengths to receive the critical treatment they need for Cystic Fibrosis care.”
