STAPLES — Lakewood Health System in Staples announces plans to move forward with the Lakewood Cancer Center, which is set to break ground this spring with a completion date in summer of 2025.
Since 2022, Lakewood’s oncology team and services have grown exponentially. Dr. Wade Swenson joined the Lakewood team in September 2022, with nurse practitioners Alyssa Manning, Mariah Neiman and Jessica Nybakken joining in December 2022, March 2023 and November 2023, respectively.
Dr. Emily Westergard is set to join the team in September 2024, and Dr. Aquino Williams will follow in September 2025.
With the growth in provider coverage comes the need for additional space. The cancer center is being built to meet these growing needs, which will also allow Lakewood Health System to add new services not previously available to patients in the area.
The 19,270-square-foot addition will be located off the southwest corner of Lakewood’s Staples clinic and will include a dedicated reception and waiting area.
ADVERTISEMENT
The center will include 14 infusion bays, 10 medical oncology and two radiation oncology exam rooms, a procedure room, in-house PET/CT, and a linear accelerator, used for radiation treatments. Oncology case managers will be located within the new space for easy access to patients.
Lakewood’s chief medical officer, Dr. Christine Albrecht, said in a news release: "Our oncology patients have contact with nearly every department in our facility. It often starts with primary care and expands into lab, radiology, palliative care, and infusion, with many patients even being served in the emergency department and hospital. We’re excited to give patients the opportunity to experience an even more personalized approach to their care by creating a designated space for them to receive the care they need and deserve."
“The opening of Lakewood Health System’s new cancer center marks a significant step forward in local health care,” Lakewood oncologist, Dr. Wade Swenson, said in the release. “This facility is more than just a building; it's a representation of our on-going dedication to providing top-notch cancer treatment close to home. Lakewood is committed to offering the latest in medical care to improve health outcomes and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.”
The Trust Project
