CHELSEA — St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea has opened a 16,500 square-foot cancer center to expand its services as well as add radiation therapy to its oncology treatments, hospital officials announced today.
“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,” says Kathleen Beekman, MD, director of the Infusion Center.
Dr. Beekman says the new cancer center will enable residents to receive a wide range of cancer treatments, from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation, all under one roof. Each patient will meet with a team of experienced cancer specialists who review their case and recommend a customized treatment plan. Arrangements to start treatment can be made immediately.
The cancer center is equipped with the latest technology including computerized equipment to create targeted radiation treatment plans for patients. Dr. Beekman says the new technology will allow a tailored treatment for each patient’s particular type of cancer, allowing for a more comfortable patient experience, and faster treatment delivery.
The hospital completed a $6 million dollar campaign to support the project. Co-chairs Carole and Howdy Holmes, president and CEO of Chelsea Milling, producers of Jiffy Mix, led a 34-member committee made up of local business and community leaders and physicians, exceeded the campaign goal by raising $7.2 million towards the cancer center.
The new cancer center has been built as an addition to the main hospital in close proximity to associated hospital programs and services.
With a dedicated entrance, the new facility will provide both chemotherapy and radiation therapy along with medical oncology and radiation oncology suites, physician exam rooms, patient areas, a family lounge, changing rooms, and an onsite pharmacy for chemotherapy drugs.
St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea will join Saint Joseph Mercy Health System’s other locations offering cancer services in Ann Arbor, Brighton, and Canton.
