LMH Health unveils new Cancer Center and integrates with Precision Cancer Care
After a year of construction and renovation, LMH Health will open the doors of its new Cancer Center on July 14, ushering in a new chapter of comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care. The community is invited to attend an open house and tour the clinic from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 19.
The expansion and renovation answered the increasing need for cancer care in the community. LMH Health oncologists and hematologists support more than 19,000 patient encounters each year, yet their current space was built to serve 2,400 patients in 2001.
“I’m proud to say that cancer patients have always been able to find outstanding oncology and hematology care at our hospital,” said oncologist Dr. Jodie Barr. “The Cancer Center is home to many clinical trials, high-risk and genetic screening, nurse navigators, a survivorship program and so much more. My partners and I are proud to provide high level, compassionate care, right here – close to home.”
Improvements to the clinic include:
- More treatment and exam rooms
- Larger waiting room
- Expanded laboratory area
- Patient education and consultation rooms
- A dedicated family lounge area
- An emphasis on natural light for patient and family comfort
- New areas to support physicians and staff working with clinical trials
- Modern pharmacy space to support complex infusion medications
The expansion and renovation of the Cancer Center is made possible by more than $7.2 million of generous gifts from donors, foundations and community partners.
“This is a perfect example of the true power of philanthropic support in our community,” said Rebecca Smith, executive director of the LMH Health Foundation, as well as Vice President of Strategy and Communications for LMH Health. “This expansion ensures our facilities reflect the extraordinary high level of care provided here. We are incredibly fortunate to have a resource like the Cancer Center in our community, with physicians, clinicians and staff that are second to none.”
LMH also announced that in August, Precision Cancer Care and its radiation oncology staff will become part of the LMH Health Cancer Center, creating a fully integrated cancer program.
“Dr. Darren Klish and Dr. Ben Slane will continue to share their collective 36 years of board certified experience to provide radiation oncology services to the community,” said Russ Johnson, LMH Health President and CEO. “Dr. Klish has also agreed to serve as medical director for the radiation oncology program.”
This integration creates a unified cancer care experience, combining medical and radiation oncology under one roof. Patients will benefit from streamlined scheduling and coordinated care. The partnership also supports more opportunities for clinical trials, which is a continuing hallmark of LMH Health’s participation in trials through the statewide Masonic Cancer Alliance.
“There is a lot of benefit to joining forces with LMH Health, including the additional confidence it imparts to patients who are deciding where to get care,” Dr. Klish said. “Patients will have the simplicity of one bill and the ability to participate in clinical trials. I’m really happy this partnership has come together and I’m excited to be part of it.”
