World-Class Cancer Care Has Never Been Closer

With its connection to the Mass General Cancer Center, Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s oncology program has grown extensively in recent years, allowing more Nantucket patients to receive the care they need on-island and close to home.

In the new Nantucket Cottage Hospital, the Cancer Care and Infusion Center will have an expanded base of operations that will improve the patient experience and deliver enhanced privacy.

The current hospital has one room with two chairs for its non-malignant infusions and chemotherapy administration. In the new hospital, that area will expand to include five private infusion bays overlooking conservation land off Vesper Lane, as well as a full nurses’ station for staff.

This wing of the new hospital will be named the Swim Across America Infusion Center in recognition of the substantial support the program has received from the local open water swim event that takes place every August. The naming of the infusion center for Swim Across America was made possible by a gift from Erwin and Stephanie Greenberg. Since 2013, Swim Across America – Nantucket has raised millions for cancer care on the island that has been donated to Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s oncology program and Palliative & Supportive Care of Nantucket.

Beyond the benefits of the cancer and infusion center, the expanded treatment area in the new hospital also reflects the growth of the cancer care program. Under the leadership of Elizabeth Tracey, MSN, ONS, the program has grown to include full-time oncology nurse practitioner Ugne Aleknaite, MSN, along with clinical nurse leader Gretchen Buchmann, BSN, infusion center nurses Kristen Chenard, BSN, Joan Macallister, BSN, ONS, and Lisa Lacoursiere. Originally spearheaded by Dr. Bruce Chabner, the director of clinical research at the MGH Cancer Center and a former NCH Trustee, the team is currently caring for nearly 150 patients in different stages of disease, with 20-30 in active treatment.

Our team includes physicians, nurses and specialists, as well as pharmacy professionals, administrative and support staff.

The on-island team coordinates care with a team of MGH oncologists – Medical Director, Jon Dubois, MD, Jeffrey Barnes, MD and Andrew Branagan, MD – who see patients on Nantucket weekly. As an MGH Cancer Services provider, the team has a direct connection with the multidisciplinary teams at MGH, including thoracic, breast, and lymphoma specialists. Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s program sets itself apart from other community hospital oncology experiences by connecting patients with oncologists specializing in their particular disease and maintaining that relationship throughout the course of their treatment.

“We are committed to patient-centered care rooted in continuity and collaboration with oncology specialists, nurses, pharmacies, local primary care providers, and the patient, that brings the same level of care to Nantucket as patients have come to expect by going to Mass General,” said Aleknaite. “Year-round and summer residents can get chemotherapy and immunotherapy right here on the island. The whole team links its hands to care for the patients from the initial diagnosis, through cancer treatment and long range follow-up.”

Aleknaite received her oncology nurse practitioner training at MGH, rotating between different cancer groups, learning about the latest treatments and research, while seeing patients with MGH oncologists and nurse practitioners. From Nantucket, she is able to connect remotely with the monthly MGH nurse practitioner meetings to continue her education, as well as participate in on-site oncology training opportunities.

“Cancer diagnosis is devastating for the whole family and it turns people’s lives upside down,” Aleknaite said. “Any sign of normalcy can bring a sense of relief. Our patients can get chemotherapy and pick up their kids from summer camp on the same day.”

Ugne Aleknaite, AGPCNP-BC, WHNP-BC

Jon Dubois, MD

Jeffrey Barnes, MD, PhD

Andrew Branagan, MD