Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Opens State-of-the-Art Radiation Oncology Suite

Burlington, MA – Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (LHMC), part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, announces a major milestone in its commitment to the advancement of cancer care north of Boston with the opening of its newly relocated and expanded state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology Suite in the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center in Burlington.


One of the two Linear Accelerators (LINACs) treatment rooms in Lahey Hospital & Medical Center’s newly expanded Radiation Oncology Suite, which opened to patients on Dec. 16. The new suite, located in the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center on the main hospital campus in Burlington, offers cutting-edge treatment technology delivered in a supportive and healing environment.
 

The approximately 28,000-square-foot, first-floor suite, which occupies the east side of the main hospital at 41 Mall Road, is equipped with the latest in cutting-edge treatment technology to deliver the highest level of enhanced care to upwards of 9,000 patients annually close to home. The new suite opened to patients Dec. 16.

As cancer cases are expected to increase significantly in the coming years, the new facility furthers LHMC’s current high level of care through improved access, elevated patient experience, additional capacity and increased privacy.

Enabled by the investments of committed donors, the expansion includes two new linear accelerators (LINACs), a new computed tomography (CT) simulator, a high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy procedural suite with mobile CT unit, 10 well-equipped exam rooms, four spacious patient consult rooms, and dedicated spaces for patients and caregivers to rest and recharge. Patients and their families will enter the suite through an expansive welcome area that boasts a sun-filled, glass-enclosed garden and waiting room. A dedicated parking area and valet parking allow for easy access for patients and visitors.

The new Radiation Oncology Suite was unveiled Dec. 10 during a ribbon cutting attended by LHMC leadership, donors, clinical team members and local officials.

“This expansion is rooted in Lahey Hospital & Medical Center’s long legacy of excellence in cancer care,” said Susan Moffatt-Bruce, MD, PhD, president of LHMC. “Our new Radiation Oncology Suite will ensure our patients and their families have expanded and convenient access to the most innovative technology in cancer services and radiation therapy delivered in a compassionate environment.”

In addition to the facility upgrades, LHMC’s professional staff are bringing innovative techniques enabled by the new technology to the department, allowing the team to meet the growing demand for specialized oncology services in a community setting.

“Our staff are highly skilled and dedicated to providing the best care possible to our patients,” said Paul J. Hesketh, MD, FASCO, director of the Lahey Cancer Institute, director of the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center, and director of Thoracic Oncology. “This new space redefines what it means to provide state-of-the-art radiation oncology care in a special, welcoming environment that will enhance our patients’ experiences.”

“We are incredibly proud to be able to provide an enhanced, supportive and healing treatment experience for our patients as they are cared for by our phenomenal team of radiation oncologists,” said Howard Hsu, MD, chair of the Division of Radiation Oncology within the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center at LHMC. “Our new suite embodies our commitment to providing the most advanced cancer treatments to our community, while furthering our resolve toward preserving our patients’ quality of life.”

Philanthropic support from the community has been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. More than 900 donors have supported the initiative with their generous contributions, signaling its critical importance throughout Greater Boston.

“The unwavering commitment from our donors underscores the importance of this project,” Moffatt-Bruce said. “Their partnership is invaluable in realizing this endeavor, which broadens the radiation oncology services we offer and deepens our impact on the community.”

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About Lahey Hospital & Medical Center        

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (LHMC) is a world-renowned tertiary academic medical center known for its innovative technology, pioneering medical treatments and leading-edge research. As a physician-led hospital, LHMC offers a legacy of care and education committed to putting the patient at the center through a multidisciplinary, collaborative and team-based approach. LHMC’s research efforts and clinical trials cross numerous medical disciplines, providing patients with access to the latest options in treatment and care. For more information about Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, please visit www.lahey.org/lhmc/.     

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, a health care system that brings together academic medical centers and teaching hospitals, community and specialty hospitals, more than 4,700 physicians and 39,000 employees in a shared mission to expand access to great care and advance the science and practice of medicine through groundbreaking research and education. For more information about Beth Israel Lahey Health, please visit www.bilh.org.