UNC Health Blue Ridge opens $38M Cancer Center
Aug. 16—VALDESE — The $38 million Cancer Center at UNC Health Blue Ridge Valdese had a grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 5 p.m.
"We've waited for this day a long time," said Chief Operating Officer Jon Mercer. "This facility is beautiful and welcoming to anyone needing treatment. Now, you don't have to travel for state-of-the-art cancer care."
The grand opening celebration included remarks from UNC Health Blue Ridge President and CEO Kathy Bailey, chairman of the Blue Ridge Board of Directors Jeff Carswell, radiation oncologist Dr. Greg Jones, and medical oncologist Dr. Wenimar Salvador.
Many local officials were on hand to cut the ribbon with President Tonia Stephenson of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce. The public was invited to take a tour through the new area, and staff were stationed at various locations to answer questions.
Jones, only the second radiation oncologist in the Valdese Cancer Center's 56-year history, said the project has taken a while, but the result is worth the wait.
"This Cancer Center is extraordinarily well-equipped, allowing radiation oncology and medical oncology to share an outstanding space with multiple support services," Jones said. "Both departments will be able to use all common forms of treatment, eliminating the need for patients to travel elsewhere."
The new center and Outpatient Infusion Center will move from the right side of the hospital to the left, and the public should be aware of new parking and entrances. New signs will direct everyone where to park.
"A diverse and comprehensive team of front-line teammates have been active participants in the planning and design of the project," Mercer said. "We wanted to ensure we provide the best care possible for the patients we serve well into the future."
The cancer and infusion center is housed in a new 34,272-square-foot addition that features new infusion therapy and treatment areas with private and open space, radiation and chemotherapy exam rooms, consultation areas, and treatment spaces. Equipment includes two new Linear Accelerators, a computed tomography, CT, simulator, and a superficial X-ray.
"We will have some much-needed space for education, support, and group therapy," said Salvador, the medical oncologist at the center. "This cancer center is a testament to our commitment to you. This center will bring high-quality health care closer to you and your family."
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"We're grateful that we were part of the team that built this new cancer center," said Brasfield and Gorrie Regional Vice President and Division Manager Michael Byrd. "The team at UNC Health Blue Ridge Valdese is actively working to serve their community, and it's humbling to lend our construction expertise to make that possible."
The design firm that worked on the project is DLR Group.
"We have been working on this project for three years and are so excited to see it come to fruition," said Heather C. Beard, AIA, DLR Group senior associate. "We are honored to contribute to creating a cohesive and welcoming environment that embodies our shared vision for exceptional healthcare."
The Valdese Cancer Center was first accredited by the Commission on Cancer in 1972 and is one of the longest-continuously accredited programs in the state.
At the opening event, the Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation sold brick pavers that can be personalized for placement in the Cancer Center's new Serenity Garden. Bricks are $150 each, and some of the already purchased bricks will be displayed in the garden. The public will also have a chance to join the "Keep Shining" donor wall.
UNC Health Blue Ridge is a not-for-profit community health care system providing advanced health care and wellness services from more than 40 locations across a three-county region of western North Carolina.
The system includes one hospital with two locations and a continuing care retirement community. Nearly 120 primary care physicians, physician specialists, and extenders in the Blue Ridge Medical Group combine with other physicians on the medical staff to serve patients in the region.
UNC Health Blue Ridge provides graduate medical education programs for medical school graduates and students in osteopathic medicine. UNCBR is affiliated with UNC Health System, a not-for-profit integrated healthcare system owned by the state of North Carolina and based in Chapel Hill.
For more information, visit www.unchealthblueridge.org.
