New Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon opens

Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois and HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Planning for future community open house, date to be determined

On Monday, April 20, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois opened the doors and welcomed patients into the newly built Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon. It will offer comprehensive cancer services to patients in the Metro East region.

The 31,000-square-foot cancer care center, located at 321 Regency Park in O’Fallon, was constructed by Green Mount Enterprises, LLC, with space being leased to both St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois.

Services and features of the new center include:

·         Radiation Oncology Services

·         Medical Oncology and Hematology Services

·         Research and Clinical Trials (affiliations with National Cancer Institute, University of Chicago, NSABP Foundation, pharmaceutical industry, and more)

·         Diagnostic, Consultation & Follow Up Services

·         Cancer Screenings, Cancer Prevention & Wellness Programs

·         Education & Support

·         Genetic Testing & Counseling

·         Imaging (Bone Densitometry, CT, PET)

·         Laboratory

·         Chemotherapy, Infusion Therapy & Immunotherapy

·         Radiation Linear Accelerator & CT-simulator

·         Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

·         Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

·         Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

·         Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)

 

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital President and CEO Patti Fischer stated, “St. Elizabeth’s is honored to partner with CCSI in bringing needed health-care services to patients in our region. Our radiation oncology services are an extension of our Mission to deliver high-quality Franciscan health care. The facility will allow cancer patients the opportunity to receive innovative and advanced radiation and medical oncology treatments in a location that keeps them close to home where family and friends can support them during this difficult time in their lives.”

“We of Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois are excited about the opening of the new Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon. We believe that this facility will improve access to the most up-to-date cancer treatments as well as enhance the availability of tomorrow’s treatments through the availability of National Cancer Institute and industry funded cancer research,” said Justin Floyd, president Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois. “Additionally, partnering with HSHS St. Elizabeth’s has allowed us to facilitate this multidisciplinary care in a single location, further reducing barriers and burdens on cancer patients. This opening comes at a time of an unparalleled health crisis.  In an attempt to promote patient safety and reduce potential hospital cancer related admissions during the COVID-19 crisis, we are caring for our active cancer patients in the new center while implementing infection control screening procedures, actively using telemedicine, and reducing patient and non-patient traffic through the facility.”

Fischer added, “We are excited to collaborate with Cancer Care Specialists to offer the area this new advanced, spacious and comfortable facility. The prevalence of the COVID-19 virus has caused the delay in our joint plans to conduct a grand opening for the community, but the safety of our patients, colleagues, providers and community is our No. 1 priority.” She said a public event may be planned in the future so area residents can see what an asset this facility is for the region’s health care.

St. Elizabeth’s is the only American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer designated cancer program in the service area of southwestern Illinois. “This comprehensive and multidisciplinary patient-centered recognition, coupled with the advanced radiation oncology services offered in the new center, brings innovative treatment and experienced cancer specialists to the community,” Fischer added.

The clinic will benefit patients from across the region, especially those from smaller communities served by St. Elizabeth’s sister hospitals of St. Joseph’s in Highland, St. Joseph’s in Breese and Holy Family in Greenville.

The president of Green Mount Enterprises, Mark Walshauser, states, “The new Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon was built around the cancer patient’s experience. The building is one-story, ground level high, so patients never have to transverse stairs.  To further allow ease of use, direct entrances are available to both the radiation and chemotherapy treatment areas.  With highway 64 access minutes from the Cancer Center, patients in surrounding communities now have better access to their doctors and treatment.   Being located adjacent to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, patients in need of extended services such at ultrasound and MRI have everything they need close by.”