Wake Forest Baptist Improves Access to Cancer Care with Opening of Newly Renovated Cancer Center in Lexington

September 15, 2016

From the larger, more open entry way to the treatment bays with heated, massage recliners, every aspect of the newly renovated Wake Forest Baptist Health Cancer Center – Lexington is centered on the care and comfort of patients and their families.

The nearly $1 million renovation project that began in June last year happened in six phases of mostly night and weekend construction to allow the Cancer Center to remain open and avoid disruption to patients. Tonight’s ribbon cutting and open house marked the end of the renovations and the welcoming of a much brighter and patient-friendly atmosphere.

The renovated facility consolidates the radiation/oncology and hematology/oncology clinics into one waiting room and patient check-in with an internal connection between the separate clinics. New furniture, interior finishes, televisions and a refreshment counter make up the new waiting room. The renovation also offers patients a more comfortable experience with enlarged chemotherapy treatment bays equipped with heat and massage recliners and new televisions. The treatment area is situated along windows that offer plenty of natural light and views of the Wake Forest Baptist Health-Lexington Medical Center campus.

“When someone has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment, it is often the most stressful time of their life,” said Bill James, president of Lexington Medical Center. “We hope that this updated facility will help to minimize some of this stress.”

Providing a peaceful and healing atmosphere is a crucial part of the mission to provide continuity of care to patients throughout the Wake Forest Baptist system.

Boris Pasche, M.D., Ph.D., is the director of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is one of only 46 comprehensive cancer centers in the country. “This project reinforces our commitment to provide world-class cancer care to patients right here in the comfort of their own community hospital,” said Pasche. “They have access to the latest treatments, on-site cancer specialists and even the opportunity to participate in clinical trials.”

And when patients finish their cancer treatment at Cancer Center-Lexington they will have a victory bell to ring– just like the victory bell at the Comprehensive Cancer Center – to signify and celebrate their triumph over cancer. The renovations were funded in part through the generosity of the Davidson County community, with support from the 2014 Sportsmen’s Saturday event. Each fall, Sportsmen’s Saturday raises money to go toward projects that improve the patient experience at Lexington Medical Center.

The Lexington Medical Center Foundation, Lexington Medical Center employees and Wake Forest Baptist also contributed to the project.

Media Relations

Joe McCloskey: jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-1273

Mac Ingraham: mingraha@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-3487