CHELSEA — Chelsea Community Hospital is planning a 15,000 square-foot cancer center that will expand current cancer services and add radiation therapy to its current oncology treatments. The center is set to break ground in January 2014.
The new cancer center will enable local residents to receive a wide range of cancer treatments, from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation, all under one roof close to home. As a member of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, CCH’s Cancer Center will also provide access to regional resources including clinical research trials, specialized breast health services such as genetic counseling, and CyberKnife radiotherapy.
“A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event and we recognize that patients need to receive care that is outstanding both in terms of clinical competence and the compassionate way it is delivered,” said Kathleen Beekman, MD, director of the CCH Infusion Center. “We have an amazing staff here that love what they do, are dedicated to the community and have the benefit of a larger network of cancer care through Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.”
The hospital has launched a $6 million dollar campaign, entitled the Branching Out Campaign, to support the project. Co-chairs Howdy and Carole Holmes are leading a 34-member committee made up of local business and community leaders and physicians. “We are extremely grateful to be part of a campaign that will make a difference for cancer patients in our community. All gifts made will directly support the Cancer Center.”
“Support for our Branching Out Campaign will allow CCH to provide compassionate cancer care close to home for our patients and their families during one of life’s most vulnerable moments,” said Nancy Graebner, CCH president & CEO. “Together we can make a lasting impact in the lives of our families, friends and neighbors by giving hope a new home at our Chelsea Community Hospital Cancer Center.”
The new cancer center, scheduled to be complete by December 2014, will be built as an addition to the main hospital in close proximity to associated hospital programs and services. Existing chemotherapy services will move from the Professional Office Building into the new space and expand to include a projected total of eight infusion bays and two private infusion rooms.
The project will include building the medical oncology and radiation oncology suites, physician exam rooms, patient areas, changing rooms, an onsite pharmacy for mixing chemotherapy drugs, and the infrastructure needed for a linear accelerator and CT simulator for radiation treatment.
Also included will be the purchase and installation of a linear accelerator and CT simulator — computerized equipment that creates targeted radiation treatment plans for patients — making CCH the only location in its surrounding area to offer radiation therapy. CCH will join Saint Joseph Mercy Health System’s other locations in Ann Arbor, Brighton, and Canton in offering these cancer services.
