Cheshire Medical's cancer care expansion to open this year

Cheshire Medical Center is on track to finalize the expansion of its cancer care center this summer.

Cheshire Medical Center is on track to finalize the expansion of its cancer care center this summer, according to the project's construction manager, John Niro. The enhancement includes the addition of a second linear accelerator aimed at improving radiation therapy capacity for patients. The current accelerator has been operating at full capacity, which has necessitated that some individuals travel up to three hours to receive treatment at Dartmouth Medical Center in Lebanon.

The construction, which commenced in September, is supported by a $42 million fundraising campaign that has successfully raised over $41 million to date, as reported by Sandie Phipps, the hospital's vice president of philanthropy. The initiative also includes upgrading the surgery department, with overall project expenditures expected to reach around $60 million.

Medical director of oncology services, Dr. Janelle Park, indicated that increasing cancer detection rates and a higher prevalence of cancer among the aging population are driving the need for additional treatment facilities. The installation of a second linear accelerator will enhance the hospital's capacity to serve the growing patient demand effectively.

Contributions from 500 local donors have played a significant role in reaching the fundraising goals. Among those contributions, $25 million was received as a charitable gift from a local family. Phipps mentioned that any remaining financial requirements to finalize these projects will be covered with low-interest loans from Dartmouth Health.

The completed expansion is expected to bolster the hospital's vision of offering a comprehensive cancer care program, with services extending beyond mere treatment. Park highlighted that the center recognizes the psychosocial challenges patients face and aims to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, receive adequate support throughout their treatment journey.