Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital announced it completed the remodeling and expansion of the Cancer Centers of Colorado in Grand Junction, and it is hosting an event Sept. 10 to unveil it.

The remodel and expansion increased the space for infusion by 30 percent and medical oncology exam rooms by 20 percent, meaning more patients can readily access appointments that are convenient to them, the hospital said in a Sept. 4 news release. This project emphasized improving safety and comfort for patients and their families. The clinic also has more workspace for caregivers.

The cancer center remained open throughout the construction, which took place in previously used office areas, and work didn’t impact patient care, according to Media Relations Manager Sara Quale. Caregivers started using the new infusion space in early July, and the last work on office spaces wrapped up in August.

Kevin Dryanski, Intermountain Health regional service line director, said the expansion and remodeling were prompted by a 40 percent growth in patient volume for these services over the past three to four years.

“Our patients receive the very best care at St. Mary’s, and we are proud and excited to give them this beautiful space that reflects the quality, compassion and love behind the excellent care we provide,” said Dr. Alicia Swink, Intermountain Health medical oncologist and regional service line medical director. “This remodel is designed specifically for patients on the Western Slope – for their comfort, healing and safety. We feel the cancer center now better visually represents the heart of the care we give each patient.”

Since the early 1940s, St. Mary’s Regional Hospital Cancer Centers of Colorado has touched many lives on the Western Slope through the detection and treatment of cancer. Currently, the cancer center sees more than 1,500 new cancer patients each year. Providers offer medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology and gynecologic oncology care and treat cancers of the blood, breast, head and neck, lung and more.

The cancer center provides supportive programs including social and psychological, spiritual care and palliative care, nutritional resources and wellness, cancer survivorship and clinical trials.

St. Mary’s Cancer Centers of Colorado is a regional leader in cancer care, extending its reach through partnerships and outreach clinics in Moab, Utah and Rifle, plus tele-health services in Craig. These initiatives ensure access to specialized and advanced cancer care for the entire region.

To celebrate the expansion and remodel, the public is invited to an open house and health fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 13 at the Cancer Center, 750 Wellington Ave. Caregivers will offer education and expertise on topics ranging from clinical trials and palliative care to nutrition and screenings.

Community members also can schedule appointments for preventative screenings. More information is available at St. Mary’s Cancer Center.

Sept. 13 open house marks expansion of St. Mary’s cancer care

The community is invited to celebrate a major milestone in cancer care with the expansion of the Cancer Centers of Colorado at Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital.

This expansion increases St. Mary’s medical oncology and infusion capacity, allowing it to serve more patients close to home, the hospital said in a news release.

Guests can tour the newly expanded cancer center, meet local providers and explore the latest advancements in comprehensive cancer services. The event is 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 13.

Also, a free Cancer Prevention Health Fair will feature interactive booths and educational stations focused on cancer prevention and wellness, including the opportunity to schedule a mammogram and other cancer screening, blood-pressure checks, skin-cancer-prevention education and use of UV cameras, nutrition station and stress relief, exercise demonstration and more.

People also can walk through an inflatable colon to learn more about risks of colorectal cancer and the importance of screenings.

To attend the event, go to Entrance 25 at St. Mary’s Cancer Centers of Colorado, 750 Wellington Ave. in Grand Junction.