Roane General oncology unit ready to open
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SPENCER -- An oncology and infusion center will make its debut in the Spencer community Thursday giving patients with Roane General Hospital the opportunity for treatment closer to home.
For about two years, Roane General officials worked with WVU Medicine to open the oncology unit. Roane General CEO Doug Bentz said it will offer oncologist consultations, chemotherapy services and "very importantly," support services for cancer patients and their family.
Dr. Sumaira Shafi with WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center will be coming to Roane General about once a week for consultations.
"We are expecting 25-30 patients to transfer their care and treatment to Roane General. Any newly diagnosed (patients) will be given an opportunity to be seen there as well," Bentz said.
The oncology center is housed in the newly renovated part of the hospital which opened last fall.
"The new unit provides six private treatment rooms and all the support space needed to care for patients during their cancer journeys in a facility that has been renovated completely from floor to ceiling," a release from Roane General said. "It is staffed by a full oncology team, which includes an oncologist and other allied health professionals."
Prior to the oncology addition, patients had to drive 60 to 90 minutes, sometimes up to five days a week, for treatment. Along with the new services, the hospital will continue to provide transportation to appointments if necessary.
"We offered that to our patients already. We are committed to providing this for the oncology patients and even talked about having another van if necessary. We are very committed in assisting and supporting patients," Bentz said.