Saint Francis Cancer Center Expansion

Saint Francis Cancer Center Expansion: Designed with the Patient in Mind

For the staff at the Saint Francis Cancer Center, the process of providing the best patient care begins with listening. Not only is it listening to the patient’s needs—but what patients and their families want as well.

Listening is also the basis for how Saint Francis continues to grow and build as the region’s leading healthcare system. It’s part of the vision behind the current expansion of the Saint Francis Cancer Center. It’s patient-inspired and driven.

“After reviewing patient feedback as well as industry best practices, we learned that cancer patients and their families would like to have most of their treatment services performed at one location,” said Nancy Thomas, director of oncology services. “When we acquired this facility near 51st and Garnett, moving our oncology services under one roof was part of our long-term strategic planning goals.” For patients and their families, having all of these key services in one location means an enhanced level of convenience and continuity of care in a warm, welcoming environment.

The Saint Francis Cancer Center provides a single point of care for the following services: • office with medical oncology team; • nurse navigator team; • radiation oncology and therapy; • chemotherapy/immunotherapy; • laboratory; • imaging, PET and CT;

• outpatient pharmacy; • oncology rehabilitation (physical, occupational and speech therapies as well as a lymphedema clinic); • access to genetic services; • dietitian/nutrition planning; • outpatient palliative care; • support groups; and • social services.

“The first phase of the expansion was to build out and move radiation oncology from Saint Francis Hospital to this facility,” said Thomas. “This transition was completed in February of this year. Now, we’re moving into the renovation stage of the existing facility building which we hope to have completed by early 2022.”

Improving the Patient’s Journey through Care Equally important to having all of our services in one location, was the thoughtful consideration that has gone into the construction and renovation of the facility. In addition to housing the latest, most advanced oncology equipment, the expanded Saint Francis Cancer Center features an enhanced patient journey and resources with an eye toward patient comfort. Nancy Thomas, director of oncology services, Saint Francis Cancer

“Being under one roof will make collaboration between the different specialties even better than it is now. We can discuss best treatment options and share different ideas”

–Dr. Chelsea Thomas, medical oncologist “There’s really a focus on the simplification of care and helping create a patient experience that’s calming and conducive to their treatment,” said Dr. Vicki Baker, medical oncologist with Warren Clinic.

The expanded space has a new pathway design that allows patients to get from one appointment to the next with greater ease. “Not only will their journey be familiar each time, they’ll also see familiar faces,” continued Dr. Baker. “They will see the same nurses, oncologists and staff. That’s important to patients so they can focus on their care.” Bringing the Team Closer Together The expansion also allows for greater collaboration between the medical oncology staff. “Cancer care requires a team approach. From tumor boards to interacting with radiation oncologists and medical oncologists, surgeons, it all provides a broader picture of the patient,” said Dr. Chelsea Thomas, medical oncologist. “Being under one roof will make collaboration between the different specialties even better than it is now. We can discuss best treatment options and share different ideas.”

“It really provides more patientcentered care,” continued Dr. Thomas. “Communication is such a huge part of medicine. You can only succeed with your team. Fortunately, Saint Francis has great leadership that helps bring everything together.”

When it comes to bringing everything together, that includes caring for patients’ spiritual wellbeing, too. The health system’s mission is to extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ. This ambition is also at the heart of the Saint Francis Cancer Center expansion.

“At Saint Francis, the mission is really lived out. It’s a ministry at work,” said infusion nurse Treatha Rayford, RN, OCN®. “I’m grateful and look forward

to having the opportunity to serve patients every day. I get a chance to share the love of Christ and pray with them, if desired, allowing them to share what’s on their hearts.”

As the expansion and renovations near completion, the Saint Francis Cancer Center will serve more patients throughout the community and beyond, serving as a beacon of hope for those battling against such a challenging disease.

“This has always been our goal,” said Thomas. “And this facility will allow us even greater opportunities to provide more patients with excellence in clinical and personalized care in an even more supportive, convenient and nurturing environment.” “It’s a beautiful environment that helps lead to healing. The Saint Francis Cancer Center is simply amazing, calming and inspirational.”

– Treatha Rayford, RN, OCN®.

SAINT FRANCIS CANCER CENTER

11212 East 48th Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146 918-556-3000

Medical Oncology

Vicki Baker, M.D. Matthew Armstrong, M.D. John Eckenrode, M.D. Muhammad Janjua, M.D. Hassan Kaleem, M.D. Jihad Khattab, M.D. Jessica Kreitzberg, D.O. Nikhil Mukhi, M.D. Chelsea Thomas, D.O. Jennifer Trottman, M.D. Samantha Nigh, P.A.-C Christy Beasley, P.A.-C

Radiation Oncology

Stephen Sack, M.D. Charles Stewart, M.D.

SAINT FRANCIS CANCER CENTER MUSKOGEE

300 Rockefeller Drive Muskogee, Oklahoma 74401 918-684-3374

Medical Oncology

Fuad Hassany, M.D.

Radiation Oncology

Selamawit Negusse, M.D.