New Projects

Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center

BUILDING BEGINS!

Three years ago, the need for a new and expanded oncology center was identified as part of a master facility planning effort at John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital. The existing Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center opened in 1988 to address a previously unmet need in our community – to provide comprehensive cancer services to patients in our region. Over the years, the number of cancer patients has grown threefold and technology is continuing to advance at a rapid pace. A much larger facility was recommended with the flexibility to meet current and future demands by providing the best treatment environment and methods available. Over the last three years, hospital staff, physicians, community leaders, former patients and architects worked together to design a modern cancer center with a warm and comfortable environment for patients and families.

On May 12, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the corner of Broad at Grant to "officially" kickoff the construction period. The project is sceduled for completion in 2010.

When completed, the Center will be the newest and most advanced regional comprehensive cancer center in south Georgia and north Florida. The two-story, 42,000 square-foot Center will be 27,000 square feet larger than the current facility and have 10 more exam rooms (growing from nine to 19) and 11 more treatment chairs (from 11 to 22)—which include seating for a family member to sit beside the patient. The Center will also gain space for another linear accelerator as well as Archbold’s Gamma Knife Center, the only brain surgery technology of its kind south of Augusta in Georgia.

Archbold leadership, physicians and a cancer survivor spoke during the ceremony.

"Our new environment will pave the way for housing new technology, more physicians and staff in a brighter, even more patient-focused atmosphere which is conducive to effective cancer treatment and healing," said Archbold Medical Center President and CEO Perry Mustian.

Singletary Oncology Center Medical Director Steven M. Johnson, M.D., said, "This new expansion is the result of the need to continue growth and to accommodate our staff and patients’ ever expanding requirements. Our most valuable asset remains and always will be our "family atmosphere." The feeling of family in a hometown setting along with superior technology will ensure success for the center for the future."

Granville Jones, cancer survivor and Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center patient, spoke at the ceremony. "The health screen set up through Archbold saved my life. Because of my abnormal blood work, I immediately went to the doctor where it was determined that I had colon cancer. If it wasn’t for the health screen, my illness would have gone unnoticed. What I liked about my doctors at Archbold (was that) at the start they were cautious and thorough, but once the doctors found the problem they were aggressive in the treatment. Due to a follow-up visit, a spot on my kidney was found which happened to be the early stages of kidney cancer. It was caught so early that the cancer didn’t spread. Since my treatment, I have had excellent follow-up with the doctors and they continue to monitor my case. (Also) the girls that work at the oncology center are angels; they are always smiling and they treat all of the patients with respect. My experience with Archbold was great from start to finish. The new facility will be wonderful."