St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea opens new Cancer Center

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Laura Blodgett for the information in this story.)

It’s open.

St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea (SJMC) has opened its new 16,500 square-foot cancer center to expand current cancer services and add radiation therapy to its current oncology treatments.

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. Every patient will meet with a team of experienced cancer specialists who review each 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 a TrueBeam™ Linear Accelerator, CT simulator and computerized equipment to create targeted radiation treatment plans for patients. The TrueBeam™ linear accelerator is the latest advancement in radiotherapy technology delivering powerful cancer treatments with pinpoint accuracy and precision. This capability allows a clinician to tailor treatment for each patient’s particular type of cancer, allowing for a more comfortable patient experience, with less time on the treatment couch and faster treatment delivery.

As part of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea is one of Michigan’s most advanced cancer providers. Patients have access to the latest resources including CyberKnife® radiotherapy, da Vinci robotic procedures and national clinical trials, including those from the Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson.

In addition, cancer classes, events, support groups and other specialty services will be offered.

“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 SJMC Infusion Center in a press release. “We have an amazing staff here who 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 completed a $6-million dollar campaign, entitled the Branching Out Campaign, to support the project. Co-chairs Howdy and Carole Holmes led a 34-member committee made up of local business and community leaders and physicians, who exceeded the campaign goal by raising $7.2 million towards the cancer center.

“Support for our Branching Out Campaign made it possible for us to provide compassionate cancer care close to home for our patients and their families during one of life’s most vulnerable moments,” said SJMC president and CEO Nancy Graebner in a press release.

“Together we are making a lasting impact in the lives of our families, friends and neighbors by giving hope a new home at our St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Cancer Center,” she said.

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

The infusion treatment area offers eight infusion bays and two private infusion rooms, outfitted with patient amenities including heated chairs for patients and reclining chairs for caregivers.

St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea will join Saint Joseph Mercy Health System’s other locations offering cancer services in Ann Arbor, Brighton and Canton.