Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton is investing $16 million in comprehensive cancer services.
The new institute combines previously spread-out cancer services of radiation oncology, medical oncology, hematology, and chemo infusion services.
Avera officials announced the project Monday. They said the location will also be involved with clinical research, genetic counseling, and other support services to best support patients.
Dr. Michael Peterson is a radiation oncologist for Avera in Yankton. He said with the help of members in the oncology group at Avera like Dr. Mary Lee Villanueva, the cancer center will also offer telemedicine.
“We anticipate that more patients will need cancer care services in the future, and that this building will do a good job serving them," Peterson said. "Dr. Villanueva and I will be the on-site physicians, but we anticipate drawing on the strength of Avera’s many highly specialized physicians as well to offer patients care via telemedicine when appropriate.”
Peterson said the coordination of care each patient receives by having their care team all in one place greatly impacts the individual’s ability to focus on healing.
Regional president and CEO of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton Doug Ekeren said the project will offer cancer patients more care overall.
“Our Avera Cancer Institute in Yankton will be like the other Avera cancer institutes in that we will have medical oncology, infusion services, radiation oncology, and a variety of support services here in one location," Ekeren said. "I think that’s important because we have a team then that is taking care of our patients, and our patients can access that team in one location.”
Ekeren sid the project will update the facility to be on par with other Avera oncology locations such as in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Sioux Falls, and Marshall, Minnesota.
He said construction begins this summer with an estimated completion date in the fall of 2025.
