Partnerships
Collaboration is the foundation of the Princess Máxima Center, at the local, national, European, and global levels. What began with parents and professionals has grown into a broad network of close partnerships. By sharing knowledge, strengthening centers, and conducting clinical studies together, we accelerate innovation. In this way, we improve pediatric oncology care, in the Netherlands and beyond.
Collaborations
- Local collaborations
The Utrecht Science Park (USP) is the largest science park in the Netherlands. The Princess Máxima Center works closely with several institutes at Utrecht Science Park, such as the Hubrecht Institute for research projects, and Utrecht University and HU University of Applied Sciences for training new talent, knowledge sharing, and PhD programs. Collaboration with UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital is essential in many areas.
Collaboration with UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital
The Princess Máxima Center and UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) are connected in many ways. We work closely together in the daily care of children with cancer and collaborate on multiple research programs. A dedicated rainbow bridge allows children with cancer to move easily between WKZ and the Máxima Center. The bridge also symbolizes the connection between the knowledge and expertise of the two organizations.
In caring for our oncology patients, we work closely with various specialists and departments within WKZ and UMC Utrecht. Experts in neurology, infectious diseases, endocrinology, and intensive care strengthen the care team around our patients and contribute to optimal, multidisciplinary treatment. This collaboration allows us to use the most up-to-date knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.
We also work closely with WKZ specialists during surgical procedures. Because the Princess Máxima Center does not have its own operating rooms, surgeries take place at WKZ. There, procedures are performed by pediatric surgeons with oncology expertise, working together with WKZ pediatric anesthesiologists and radiologists. In this way, we jointly provide the best possible, nationally concentrated care.
- National collaborations
Within the Netherlands, the Máxima Center works with various partners in care and research. These collaborations contribute to accessible care and faster scientific progress. Examples include the UMCG Proton Therapy Center, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, and the shared care centers.
Shared care
The Princess Máxima Center provides integrated pediatric oncology care in close collaboration with fourteen hospitals in the Netherlands, the shared care centers. The guiding principle is: centralized where necessary, close to home where possible. Less complex parts of treatment take place at a regional hospital, close to home.
Diagnosis, coordination, and final responsibility rest with the Máxima Center, while treatment is a shared responsibility. This collaboration is formally embedded within the national shared care committee. Together, we continuously work on further development and optimization of care.
Watch the video about our collaboration with shared care centers.
- International collaboration
The complexity of childhood cancer calls for international collaboration. Only through working together can we continue to improve the quality of care and research for children with cancer in the Netherlands. As the largest pediatric oncology center in Europe, we also have the ambition to reduce global disparities in childhood cancer care.
Read more about our international partnerships here.
Máxima International
We want to cure every child with cancer. Everywhere. That is why we have been working with international partners and centers since the beginning of the Máxima Center. Because if you want to cure more children with cancer in the Netherlands ánd in the rest of the world, you have to do it together. Worldwide.
Read more