and expanded cancer center improve the overall quality of healthcare in the area and increase patient convenience . Patients can receive excellent local care backed by the entire Scott & White system , Mrs . Thompson says .
“ When you can receive the very best care nearby , it ’ s better to drive 10 minutes and be able to sleep in your own bed at night , rather than drive two hours and be away from the comforts of home and your support network ,” says Ms . Thompson , a senior vice president of The Bank & Trust of Bryan-College Station . She also serves on the Board of Visitors for Scott & White College Station .
The College Station Clinic has provided cancer care for the past six years , but the addition of the new hospital presents the opportunity to expand and enhance oncology services . Vaults have been constructed in the 5,000-square-foot cancer center to accommodate two linear accelerators , which will offer the most sophisticated radiation therapy .
“ Cancer patients suffer overwhelming physical , emotional and mental stress during and after treatment ,” says oncologist Ramón E . Rodríguez , MD , chief of College Station ’ s hematology / oncology division . “ Our goal is to relieve patients and their families of as many stresses as possible with comprehensive , supportive , diagnostic , chemotherapeutic , surgical , and radiation treatment in one location , near their homes .”
The open-concept cancer center is filled with natural sunlight , accented by brightly colored décor , a cafeteria and a coffee area . Private and semiprivate areas are designed for the sickest patients , while space also is offered to patients who prefer to socialize , and find comfort surrounded by supportive loved ones . The number of chemotherapy and infusion stations has more than tripled , and 23 stations now overlook the Healing Garden , designed by Texas A & M University graduate landscape architecture student Yucheng Wang .
Patients with cancer also benefit from the College Station Clinic ’ s connection to the Scott & White Cancer Research Institute in Temple ,
Patient Nora Thompson appreciates the convenience of having advanced care nearby at the Scott & White Hospital - College Station , and its expanded clinics .
sw . org | November 13 The Catalyst 7