St. Charles Health System opens new cancer center in Redmond, making care more accessible
REDMOND, Ore. – St. Charles Health System celebrated the opening of its new 53,000 square-foot Cancer Center in Redmond Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The facility, located at 180 NW Kingwood Ave., will expand access to nationally recognized cancer care for Central Oregon residents. The new center officially opens to patients on Monday, April 20, providing comprehensive services closer to home for those living in Redmond, Madras, Prineville, Sisters, Warm Springs, Culver and surrounding areas.
The new facility represents a significant expansion in local cancer treatment capabilities, designed to serve up to 300 patients a day. This development aims to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for care, with some previously commuting up to 50 miles daily for treatment at St. Charles' facility in Bend.
Dr. Steve Gordon, President and CEO of St. Charles Health System, expressed enthusiasm for the opening.
"After years of planning and construction, we are thrilled to celebrate the opening of this state-of-the-art Cancer Center, which will be a place of hope and healing for patients, loved ones and caregivers alike," Gordon said. "This major expansion brings care closer to home for many of our cancer patients, some of whom are traveling 50 miles a day for treatment at our Cancer Center in Bend."
Dr. Linyee Chang, executive medical director for the St. Charles Cancer Institute, highlighted the long-term vision behind the project.
"The opening of this center is a dream more than a decade in the making," Chang said. "For years, we have planned for this, as we saw the population of Central Oregon growing and the need for services expanding. I'm thrilled to see this project through to completion, knowing how many patients will receive exceptional care within these walls."
The 53,000 square-foot center includes dedicated clinical space for radiation oncology, surgical oncology, medical oncology and integrative therapies. It also houses top-tier technology, such as a brand-new True Beam Linear Accelerator for targeted radiation, a CT Simulation and a brachytherapy suite. Patient comfort and healing were emphasized in the facility's design.
Mari Shay, service line administrator for Cancer Services at St. Charles, noted the inclusion of natural light and natural materials. A highlight of the center is a second-story infusion room, offering large picture windows with views of the Cascade Range.
"For the majority of all of our patients in Central Oregon that are diagnosed with cancer, we can treat them here," Shay said.
She added that St. Charles' medical oncologists are sub-specialized, enabling them to treat various cancers, including breast, GI and lung cancer.
"Our goal is to not have any patient leave our area that doesn't have to."
The new facility is a substantial increase in capacity compared to the previous St. Charles Cancer Center in Redmond, which occupied only 2,500 square feet. The expanded center ensures that the level of care provided in Redmond is consistent with that offered in Bend, with doctors and staff rotating between both locations.
Mike Caccavano, a former engineer with the City of Redmond and a cancer patient treated at the old Redmond cancer center, performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
"I'm still kind of amazed by that," Caccavano said. "It means a lot. And it's it's really an honor to be part of this."
The St. Charles Cancer Center will begin treating patients on Monday, April 20.
