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01. History

History of Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven

Yale New Haven Hospital’s history dates back to 1826. That year, the General Hospital Society of Connecticut was founded as the first hospital in the state.

The hospital rented a building until 1833 when a new 13-bed facility, named State Hospital, was built. During the Civil War, State Hospital was used as a military hospital to care for wounded Union soldiers. After the war, it returned to treating the public.

Over the years, New Haven residents began informally referring to the hospital as “New Haven Hospital.” In 1884, the name was officially adopted.

New Haven Hospital formalized its relationship with the nearby Yale School of Medicine in 1913. In the mid-1960s, the center again changed its name, becoming the Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH). Decades later, the Smilow Cancer Hospital for patient care opened its doors in October 2009.

Partnership Between Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital

The partnership between Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital centralizes all patient cancer care within Smilow. Yale Medical School faculty provide expert patient care using cutting-edge treatment options. Much cancer research originates at Yale Cancer Center and can then be used to treat patients within Smilow Cancer Hospital.

Yale Alumnus Funds Smilow Cancer Hospital

Smilow Cancer Hospital was constructed at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) thanks to a donation from Joel E. Smilow, a Yale alumnus. Opened in 2009, the $467 million cancer hospital includes:

  • A 14-story facility
  • Nearly 500,000 square feet of new space to YNHH
  • 168 inpatient beds

Patients and doctors benefit from the partnership. The partnership allows patients to receive specialty care, and provides Yale Medical School and Yale Cancer Center a recruiting tool. Yale Medical faculty have the opportunity to integrate their research with patient care.

02. Mesothelioma Care

Mesothelioma Care at Smilow Cancer Hospital Provided in Partnership With Yale Cancer Center

Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Thoracic Oncology Program provides multidisciplinary treatment for those diagnosed with mesothelioma and lung cancers. The hospital is considered a leader in thoracic and lung malignancies. Doctors at the hospital provide personalized care to all patients and lead research efforts for several cancers. The advanced research from Yale Cancer Center gives patients access to personalized, targeted thoracic therapy. These treatments may be used on patients regardless of cancer stage.

Patient care at Smilow Cancer Hospital is provided by a team of specialists. The specialists in the Thoracic Oncology Program meet regularly to discuss specific patient treatment issues and develop a plan with personalized options. Their collective expertise in medical and radiation oncology, pulmonary medicine and thoracic surgery provides patients with options and cutting-edge treatments. For example, 4D conformal treatment planning and minimally invasive surgery are offered at Smilow Cancer Hospital.

The program at Smilow Cancer Hospital also offers access to clinical trials at their location and through their partnership with Yale Cancer Center. This provides patients with a range of promising mesothelioma treatment options. Their partner, Yale Cancer Center, is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Yale Cancer Center leads cancer research to help:

  • Improve cancer prevention
  • Develop new cancer diagnostic tools
  • Develop new cancer treatments

In particular, Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital are investigating ways to lower the risk of cancer. Researchers are also working on screening for lung cancer and molecular characterization of lung cancers. The Thoracic Oncology Program fosters collaborations among those actively treating patients at Smilow and those focused on research at Yale Cancer Center. This partnership ensures patients always get the latest and best treatments possible.

Smilow Cancer Hospital also provides support for patients and their families. Support options include art programs, cancer support groups and spiritual care. The hospital also provides an integrative medicine program for patients. This focuses on the physical and emotional hardships during treatment. The program establishes a relationship between the patient and practitioner to achieve health and healing.

03. Specializations

Smilow Cancer Hospital Specializations

04. Accreditations

Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven Accreditations

  • National Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report
  • Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
  • Yale Cancer Center: Connecticut Magazine Best Doctors recognition
  • Yale Cancer Center: National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
05. Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials at Smilow Cancer Hospital

The following clinical trials are in progress or actively recruiting participants at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven:

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06. Hospital Services

Patient and Family Services at Smilow Cancer Hospital

Smilow Cancer Hospital focuses on treating the whole patient with dignity and respect. The hospital offers patient and family support services to help individuals cope during the cancer journey. For example, patients and loved ones can relax in the Smilow Cancer Hospital Healing Garden and attend support groups. Families can also stay at The Suites at Yale New Haven.

07. Offsite Services in New Haven

Patient and Family Services in the New Haven Area

Smilow Cancer Center is in New Haven, Connecticut, the second-largest city in the state. As a result, many services are available to mesothelioma patients and their families during or after treatment.

Counseling
Nutrition
One-on-One Support
Oxygen Supplies
Survivorship Programs