“The idea of housing 30 physicians and over 80 cancer professionals together, to put the best minds together to think about how to improve cancer care and bring the best treatments to our patients is what we really seek to do each and every day,” Thomas said.
Following Monday’s ribbon cutting, cancer center leaders threw open the doors for a day’s worth of tours ahead of the arrival of the center’s first patient on June 14.
Those patients will have access to some of the most innovative technology in the cancer care sphere, including new PET scan and CT machines, as well as more than 45 infusion bays, each of which provides comfortable seating for patients and a caregiver, not to mention access to their own TV screen.
In addition, hanging throughout the building are 17 pieces of art from noted local artists, part of the Healing Arts Initiative of St. Tammany Hospital Foundation, which serves as the cancer center’s philanthropic arm.
The artwork is among the more conspicuous facets of the center’s holistic approach. As part of what has been dubbed the facility’s “Lagniappe Services” are a therapeutic food pantry, a boutique and physical therapy area, along with access to yoga, acupuncture, meditation and tai-chi classes.
“This new cancer center is home to a team of multidisciplinary experts, clinicians and support services who offer services to treat the entire patient,” said Dr. Brian Moore, medical director of Ochsner Cancer Institute. “That’s where we really stand out. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive comprehensive, contemporary care while addressing the social, physical and emotional impacts of cancer and its therapy.”
That, according to St. Tammany Health System’s Jack Khashou, administrator of the cancer center, is a win for everyone involved – and especially for patients who will benefit from more timely, streamlined access to quality care.
“This is probably the most patient-centric project I’ve ever been involved with. I’m very proud to be part of it,” Khashou said. “It really is a continuum-of-care project. It connects the St. Tammany Health System hospital, this campus here in Covington and Ochsner Cancer Center across the lake to create a continuum of care that really will make a difference and hopefully get away from the fragmentation we see in our community when it comes to cancer care.”
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To learn more about St. Tammany Cancer Center, a campus of Ochsner Medical Center, visit StTammany.health/Cancer and NorthshoreCancerCare.org.