Freeman Health System has approved an expansion to its oncology unit in Pittsburg, Kansas.
The 14-million-dollar project will provide more comprehensive cancer care to the Southeast Kansas region.
Before this facility, cancer patients had to travel to Joplin for radiation. Freeman Oncologist, Dr. Chance Matthiesen, said the travel was emotionally, physically, and financially taxing for Southeast Kansas cancer patients.
"So being able to take what we're doing in Joplin and bring that up to Pittsburgh is just going to enhance the quality of cancer care in southeast Kansas," said Dr. Matthieson.
The new facility features a new radiation center, a new PET/CT scanner, additional chemotherapy chairs, and a compound pharmacy.
A compound pharmacy specializes in creating customized medications by combining, mixing, or altering ingredients. This type of pharmacy caters to the specific needs of patients.
The new scanner can produce detailed images of the patient's body, locate, detect, and assess abnormalities, resulting in more accurate diagnoses.
All of these additions improve health outcomes, according to Dr. Matthieson.
Oncologist Dr. Boban Matthew says this new facility will create more care opportunities for patients in the area.
"The side effects can be better managed, all under one roof," explained Dr. Matthew.
Data from the American Cancer Society indicate that the distance patients travels affects their care outcomes and if they need additional treatments.
Freeman Health System's press release states that dirt has already been moved to the site at 1202 Centennial Drive in Pittsburg, Kansas. The tentative schedule for the nearly 17,000-square-foot expansion is for late 2026.
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