Shields joins forces with CCHC at Clark Cancer Center.
Cape Cod Healthcare and Shields Health Care Group announced this month that they will again join forces, this time to provide the highest quality Radiation Therapy services at the new Clark Cancer Center – scheduled to open in February of 2011 – on the Falmouth Hospital campus.
“We’re very happy to work with Shields to launch this service on the Upper Cape,” said Michael Lauf, President of Falmouth Hospital and Cape Cod Hospital and Chief Operating Officer, Cape Cod Healthcare. “Our partnership with Shields at the Clark Cancer Center will be of great benefit to our cancer patients in the Upper Cape towns.”
“We are proud that Cape Cod Healthcare has chosen to partner with us to treat their radiation oncology patients,” said Tom Shields Jr., President of Shields Health Care Group. “They expect the highest-quality service for their patients and that’s exactly what Shields provides.”
Construction began earlier this year on the Clark Cancer Center. The multi-phase plan features a two-floor 15,000-square-foot facility to be located in the Medical Office Building (MOB) next to the main entrance of Falmouth Hospital. The first phase of the project will feature development of the 9,780-square-foot Radiation Therapy Program, which will bring much-needed radiation oncology services to the Upper Cape community.
The center is made possible by an August 2008 gift of $10 million from James and Ruth Clark, the largest single gift ever presented to Cape Cod Healthcare. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are both cancer survivors and at the time of his gift, Mr. Clark said: “I understand the importance of having top quality cancer services close to home.” The Clarks are well-known for the philanthropic support of many important Falmouth-based institutions, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, historic Highfield Hall, and the 300 Committee.
The Falmouth Hospital Auxiliary also contributed to this project. In October of 2010, the Auxiliary increased its $750,000 pledge for this project to $1 million, its largest pledge ever. “We’re delighted to be able to support this tremendous addition to Falmouth Hospital,” said Shirley Gallerani, President. “This facility will enhance care for local oncology patients for generations to come.”
Shields Health Care Group and Cape Cod Hospital first partnered in 2008 to offer PET/CT imaging. The partnerships between Shields Health Care Group, an independent provider, and Cape Cod Healthcare, are designed to increase cost-efficiency and drive quality. The two organizations have aligned in multiple areas to address the changing economics of healthcare.
During construction of the Clark Cancer Center, the public is asked to observe signs that will clearly mark pedestrian and traffic routes during this time. As part of the project, there will be a new façade built that will create a separate entrance to the Center. The entrance to the MOB, which houses Rehabilitation Services, physician offices, and the Falmouth Hospital gift shop, will remain the same. The Radiation Therapy Program at the Clark Cancer Center is scheduled to open in February, 2011.
About Cape Cod Healthcare
Cape Cod Healthcare is a comprehensive, regional healthcare system spanning the entire Cape. Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for resident and visitors to Cape Cod. With more than 400 physicians and 4,500 employees, Cape Cod Healthcare has two acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
Lisa Campisi 774-328-2397