St. Charles plans to expand cancer care in Redmond
To increase St. Charles Cancer Center’s capacity to care for patients, the health system’s board of directors has approved expansion of comprehensive cancer services in Redmond. Radiation oncology and cancer support services will open in Redmond, alongside St. Charles medical oncology services, the health system said Friday.
“We are so excited to expand the services available to cancer patients in our region,” Dr. Linyee Chang, medical director of the St. Charles Cancer Center said in a news release. “Our patients currently travel from Madras, Redmond, Prineville and farther east for radiation oncology treatments. This is a hardship on patients who often need treatments for multiple days in a row.”
Planning is underway for the expansion of services and more details will be decided in coming months, officials said.
In addition to radiation oncology, St. Charles ultimately plans to augment support services for cancer patients in Redmond as well. These services include oncology rehabilitation, massage, Reiki, acupuncture, social services, survivorship wellness programs, financial counseling, nutrition services and more.
Accredited by the National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers, the Commission on Cancer and the American Society of Radiation Oncology, “the St. Charles Cancer Center offers high-quality care with incredible outcomes,” the announcement stated.
“We are proud to offer outstanding cancer treatment services for patients throughout Central Oregon,” said Dr. Jeff Absalon, chief physician executive for St. Charles Health System. “This expansion in Redmond is much needed and will provide greater access to care.”
About St. Charles Health System
St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,200 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.
