A blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the reopening of Johnson Memorial Hospital’s Karen Davis Krzynowek Cancer Center. The ceremony, held on Johnson’ Enfield campus, drew hospital leaders and colleagues, as well as local elected officials.
The six-million-dollar construction and renovation project began 14 months ago and added 5,500 square feet to the cancer center. The project brings all of Johnson’s outpatient cancer services – Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, and physician offices – together under one roof, allowing patients to receive the best possible cancer treatment close to home. In addition to improving accessibility for physician appointments, the project also includes new Medical Oncology infusion bays that feature privacy screening, personal televisions, and space to accommodate a supporting family member or friend.
“At Johnson Memorial Hospital, we keep our patients at the center of everything we do. This important project will increase coordination of care by bringing all of Johnson’s outpatient cancer care programs into one collaborative space, and at the same time, improve the patient experience with increased privacy in a first-class, calm, and comfortable environment,” said Robert Roose, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Administrative Officer, Johnson Memorial Hospital and Mercy Medical Center. “We are confident that these improvements will ease the cancer journey for many individuals in the greater Enfield community."
There is also a personal side to cancer treatment and small changes can make a significant difference. Karishma Mehra, M.D., Medical Oncologist, recounts how patients require a physical examination before they can be cleared to receive chemotherapy. “It’s important to make receiving care as easy as possible for cancer patients. Now, with physician offices just steps away from the infusion area, patients can begin their treatment more quickly. They also have peace of mind knowing their physician is nearby,” said Dr. Mehra.
The new Karen Davis Krzynowek Cancer Center is part of $40 million dollar expansion and renovation project designed to create a comprehensive "hub" for outpatient services on the hospital's Enfield campus. Once complete, the S. Prestley and Helen Blake Ambulatory Care Center will include an upgraded surgery center with four state-of-the-art operating rooms, recovery areas, and additional medical office space.