HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health is providing more convenient access for West Shore residents to its integrated network of comprehensive cancer services with the unveiling of the new Penn State Health Cancer Center at Hampden Medical Center. Health system officials were joined today by representatives from Penn State College of Medicine, Highmark Health, the American Cancer Society and state and local government, along with philanthropic supporters, for a bell-ringing ceremony at the center, which opens to patients on Monday, Oct. 27.
Located on the hospital’s ground floor, the new facility reflects Penn State Health’s commitment to ensuring patients receive high-quality cancer care in the communities where they live and work. By unifying services from three separate locations into one comprehensive center, patients and families can now experience streamlined care, improved coordination and a more comfortable healing environment.
“Expanding cancer care to the West Shore is an important step in fulfilling our mission to make world-class health care accessible to every community we serve,” said Michael Kupferman, CEO of Penn State Health. “The Cancer Center at Hampden Medical Center allows our patients to receive comprehensive treatment close to home, while still benefiting from the strength and expertise of the entire Penn State Health system.”
The 40,250-sqare foot facility offers patients the full spectrum of cancer services in a single location. These include physician appointments, diagnostic imaging, lab services, infusion treatments, medical oncology, radiation therapy, breast care and access to education and support programs. The center also offers advanced therapies and access to innovative clinical trials, giving patients opportunities to benefit from the latest breakthroughs in cancer prevention, treatment and care.
“The new cancer center is not only a clinical resource, but also an extension of our academic mission,” said Karen Kim, dean of Penn State College of Medicine. “Patients here will benefit from access to innovative therapies emerging from Penn State College of Medicines robust research enterprise, as well as participation in novel clinical trials that are shaping the future of cancer care.”
Several practices are relocating to the new cancer center to further streamline care, including:
- Breast Surgery, Physical and Occupational Therapy (moving from Century Drive)
- Breast Imaging (moving from Century Drive)
- Radiation Oncology (moving from Century Drive)
- Medical Oncology (moving from Andrews Patel Camp Hill locations)
The Hampden location joins Penn State Health’s cancer centers in Hershey (at Penn State Cancer Institute) and Reading (at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center), all of which use a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to deliver personalized treatment plans and accurate diagnoses across a wide range of cancers.
“This center was built around what patients and families told us they wanted most – comfort, continuity and convenience,” said Marc Rovito, vice president of cancer services for Penn State Health. “By bringing together medical oncology, radiation therapy, surgical services, support programs and clinical research in one place, we are creating a truly patient-centered destination for cancer care on the West Shore.”