Expansion of Wheeling Hospital's Shiffler Cancer Center

January 30, 2008 Wheeling Hospital today unveiled the 7,200-square-foot Medical Oncology Division of its Schiffler Cancer Center, featuring the newest technology and special amenities focusing on patient comfort. The Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, bishop of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese, blessed the new cancer center during a brief ceremony. Wheeling Hospital is a Catholic-based facility. "Several days ago, our comprehensive cancer program received the highest ranking possible from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer. The new addition to our Schiffler Cancer Center further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to preventing and treating cancer," said Ronald L. Violi, Wheeling Hospital chief executive officer. The 16,000-square-foot Schiffler Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Division, has operated since the late 1970s and is located in the lower level of the hospital's Medical Tower 4. The Medical Oncology Division has relocated to the third floor of the same tower. The Medical Oncology Division of the Schiffler Cancer Center will be an integral of the Schiffler Cancer Center by providing a full range of standard cancer and hematology treatments with the newest drug protocols, chemotherapy regimens and clinical trial opportunities. The Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, bishop of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese, blessed the facility located in the Catholic-based hospital. Drs. Manish Monga and Nabiel AlKhouri will see patients in the new complex. The original Schiffler is home to Drs. Gregory Merrick, Jondavid Pollock and their staff. "Moving the Medical Oncology Division to Tower 4 from our previous location puts us much closer to the Radiation Oncology Division and more convenient for our patients," said Monga. "The warm surroundings and unique features were added with our patients' comfort in mind." "The facility was designed to reflect the core tenet of health care, as stated by the Most Rev. Michael Bransfield, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, that comprehensive health care has to embody the principle of healing the body, mind and spirit," Monga said. "Our new 7,200-square-foot facility has 17 chemotherapy treatment bays with five private bays. Each bay has individual TV, free wireless internet access and individual DVD players, generously donated by the Auxiliary of Wheeling Hospital." In addition, an Educational Counsel and Spiritual Therapy Room has been created for future programs involving yoga, meditation and spiritual counseling. "The new division confirms Wheeling Hospital's commitment to serve the tri-state population and provide them with a center of excellence so that they do not have to travel far for their services," said AlKhouri. The number of examination rooms has grown to seven, and the expanded procedure room will allow for bone marrow biopsies, intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, intrahepatic chemotherapy for liver metastatic disease and intrathecal chemotherapy for cancer involving the brain and spinal fluid. Wheeling Hospital is the only area hospital that has a dedicated in-patient oncology unit, and plans for future expansion are already being developed. The hospital has more than 100 employees dedicated specifically in cancer care. The internationally recognized Schiffler Cancer Center has treated patients from 33 states and 12 foreign nations. Schiffler treats most types of cancers. Its team of physicians is known nationally and internationally for its experience, knowledge and contributions to the profession. The members are backed by a talented staff of nurses, therapists and researchers. Together, they provide rapid evaluation and deliver compassionate care in a modern and comfortable setting. Recently, Wheeling Hospital's Comprehensive Cancer Program was deemed "impeccable" by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons. A CoC Approvals Program evaluation of Wheeling Hospital's cancer care program resulted in the commission issuing a Three-Year Approval Award with Commendation to the hospital -- the highest ranking possible. The hospital is the only CoC-designated Comprehensive Cancer Program in the Wheeling area. In addition, it is the largest cancer treatment facility within a 50-mile radius. The CoC's Approvals Program sets quality-of-care standards for cancer programs and reviews the programs to ensure they conform to those standards. CoC approval is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and performance review. For more information on the Medical Oncology Division of Schiffler Cancer Center, call 304-243-6442.

YouTube | February 1, 2008