French Hospital Medical Center Introduces Lifesaving Diagnostic Technology with Donor Support

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA - January 13, 2021 – French Hospital Medical Center announces the introduction of new lifesaving technology in the clinical laboratory department. CellaVision offers a proven technology called Digital Cell Morphology which replaces or complements manual microscopy to create an automated digital workflow to detect life-threatening blood cancers. 

This automation removes the laborious and tedious aspects of performing blood cell analysis, making better use of staff and skills while empowering the hospital laboratory to deliver faster and more standardized test results. 
 
“Time is of the essence when diagnosing blood cancers,” says French Hospital Chief Medical Officer and Hematology Specialist, Jim Malone, MD. “With this critical technology, we can offer greater efficiency, quality, and staff proficiency.” 

The purchase of this significant medical technology was made possible by a donation from Steve and Barbara Hearst. Steve Hearst is a longtime supporter of the Hearst Cancer Resource Center at French Hospital and continues to be a strong advocate for enhancing cancer services for our community. The Hearst family and foundation were instrumental in supporting the opening of the Center and creating a permanent endowment.

“We continue to be incredibly grateful to Steve and Barbara Hearst for their generous support and unwavering dedication to cancer patients in our community,” says French Hospital President and CEO, Alan Iftiniuk. “The addition of the CellaVision technology will further our mission to expand cancer services for our community. This is an excellent example of French Hospital going beyond the traditional expectations of a community hospital.”

As our community continues to combat a pandemic, it is an important reminder that people are still struggling with other life threatening medical conditions such as cancer. Throughout these unprecedented times, the Hearst Cancer Resource Center continues to offer critical programs and services to cancer patients either virtually or by phone.

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About French Hospital Medical Center
French Hospital Medical Center, located in San Luis Obispo, California, is rated among the top hospitals in the nation.  The Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center provides the latest innovative cardiac and imaging technology, and is home to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. Dignity Health Central Coast is an integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services, including primary care offices, premier surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories, imaging centers and a full service home health agency; all recognized for quality, safety and service.