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JULY 2008

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NFRMC Cancer Center

“We are extremely pleased to be developing an oncology-focused, beautiful new addition to our campus,” Vice President, Marie Johnson, ARNP said. “It’s both exciting and essential that we offer quality, stateof-the-art cancer treatment and services to our community. Collaboratively with our physicians, staff, patients and community, we strive to have a center in which everyone feels cared for in an environment centered on them.”

The 35,000-square-foot Cancer Center will offer state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff; patients will receive sensitive, supportive, education-focused care and will be offered a complete range of traditional and innovated cancer therapies. The first phase of the Cancer Center includes Radiation Oncology as well as the Cyberknife® Center, which provides advanced treatments such as Intensity- Modulated Radiation Therapy, Image Guided Radiation Therapy, High Dose Rate and Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy, the CyberKnife for stereotactic radiosurgery and various clinical trials under one roof, easing patient access to a multitude of treatments.

“The Cancer Center will allow us to offer tailor-made treatment plans for each patient in a beautiful environment,” said Mark Perman, M.D., a radiation oncologist and CyberKnife surgeon. “In cancer care, one size does not fit all.”

An example of the leading-edge technology offered at NFRMC is the CyberKnife. NFRMC is the first hospital in the region to offer the CyberKnife system that delivers targeted radiation to tumors and lesions previously considered untreatable with surgery or radiation, giving new hope to hundreds of individuals in the community.

“It is important in a community like ours to be able to offer the most advanced technologies to optimize patient cures while emphasizing improved outcomes and quality of life,” said Cherylle Hayes, M.D., medical director of North Florida Radiation Oncology.

Along with providing the most up-todate treatment the Cancer Center will also focus on patient-centered care. It will include a large atrium with a cancer resource area with Internet access and materials to research cancer information.

In addition, the atrium will house a meditation area to meet the spiritual needs of patients and their families, providing them the space and quiet area to think, pray or just be able to focus on themselves or their loved one that is undergoing cancer treatment, Johnson said.

One of the most integral parts of the Cancer Center will be the addition of patient navigator, who will help to guide patients, families and caregivers through their cancer journey. They will assist in connecting those dealing with cancer to needed programs, resources and information. According to the American Cancer Society, patient navigators help patients by:
• Providing literature on coping with cancer, what to expect during chemotherapy and radiation and dealing with side effects of treatment.
• Referring you to support groups, classes and other programs for information and support.
• Helping you identify resources for financial assistance, medication needs, home health care, insurance questions, transportation and other concerns.
• Listening, caring and helping you in your time of need.
• Identifying activities that can help ensure a better quality of life.
• Helping cancer survivors learn to selfnavigate.

After the Cancer Center is completed, further plans include the construction of a Medical Office Building connected to the Center through the atrium. This office building will house cancer care physicians’ offices and a clinic where patients can meet with surgeons, urologists and other cancer specialists. As a result of the collaborative networking between specialties, patients can move seamlessly through the continuum of care.

“The Cancer Center marks a new era for us, including lots of new technology, treatments, clinical trials and sub-specialties all united under one roof,” said Lucio Gordan, M.D., chairman of the North Florida Regional Medical Center’s Oncology Steering Committee.

NFRMC’s cancer program is designated by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Care Program. “The program is committed to prevention, early diagnosis, pre-treatment evaluation, staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation and psychosocial support,” said Scarlott Mueller, RN, MPH, vice president and chief nursing officer. Patient services and community educational programs are offered in collaboration with the American Cancer Society.

The Cancer Center creates an environment where the overall goal is to offer a haven for cancer patients and their families with the best treatment and latest technology provided with a personal, committed touch.

North Florida Regional Medical Center Park is at 6500 Newberry Road, east of I-75. For a detailed map, directions, parking or other information, visit www.nfrmc.com or call the main number at 352-333-4000.