WellSpan Health broke ground Tuesday on a significant expansion of the WellSpan York Cancer Center at the Apple Hill Health Campus in York Township, offering comprehensive, integrated cancer care in one convenient location.
“This is an exciting milestone for the York community that will strengthen WellSpan’s highly respected oncology program,” said Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO, WellSpan Health.
“Cancer care and technology have evolved in the 25-year history of the cancer center, and so have the needs of our patients,” Gapstur continued. “Our expanded center is designed to treat the whole person through the whole journey, from cancer diagnosis through treatment, all in one place.”
The plan is for an approximately 67,100-square-foot addition to the current WellSpan York Cancer Center. That will bring the new cancer center to nearly 84,000 square feet of space once completed in early 2021. The estimated cost of the project is $45 million.
The new cancer center will consolidate several oncology services under one roof that are currently provided at multiple locations in the York area, including: radiation oncology, outpatient infusion, infusion pharmacy, clinical trials and research, patient navigators and social workers, among others.
The layout of the new facility is intended to surround the patient with services and treatment they need in a calm and healing environment. It will include holistic care through the WellSpan Center for Mind/Body Health, including massage therapy and yoga. There will also be an “appearance center,” which will provide specialized items in a supportive environment.
Also new will be an on-site café and a conference space for classes, therapeutic activities, support groups and community education.
Treatment rooms will be equipped with reclining chairs, temperature controls and other features. Infusion bays will include private spaces for loved ones to stay with patients during treatment.
“The high-caliber skill of our specialists and clinical staff has always been a pillar of strength at WellSpan York Cancer Center,” said Douglas Arbittier, M.D., MBA, vice president of oncology services, WellSpan Health. “This expansion will allow us to provide that exceptional care in a setting designed to enhance the patient experience while on their cancer treatment journey.”
WellSpan’s coordinated network of regional cancer care includes centers in York, Hanover, Gettysburg, Chambersburg, Ephrata and Lebanon.
WellSpan Cancer Centers provide comprehensive cancer services – including radiation, medical and surgical oncology, pain management, rehabilitation, infusion services, genetic counseling and nutrition services – that address patients’ physical, emotional, social and financial needs. Specialists across central Pennsylvania routinely collaborate in the treatment planning for patients, and nurse navigators guide patients through all aspects of care.
WellSpan also collaborates with the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center and the Maryland Proton Treatment Center.
For more information, visit WellSpan.org/Cancer.
About WellSpan Health
WellSpan Health is an integrated health system that serves the communities of central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The organization is comprised of approximately 1,500 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, a regional behavioral health organization, a home care organization, eight respected hospitals, more than 19,000 employees, and more than 170 patient care locations. WellSpan is a charitable, mission-driven organization, committed to exceptional care for all, lifelong wellness and healthy communities.
Media Contact: Ryan Coyle, 717-851-3151 or rcoyle@wellspan.org.