WKBT La Crosse
by Greg White

The expansion of an area hospital continues. The $4.9 million renovation of Mayo Clinic Health System La Crosse began this spring. The expansion project, which was announced last November, will double the amount of exam rooms and treatment bays. "The reason we need more space is because people are living longer with cancer and also a lot of the treatments we use do with immunotherapy and antibody treatments, they actually take a longer period of time," said Paula Gill, Chairperson of Mayo Clinic Health System Medical Oncology.

Reach: WKBT is a CBS affiliate serving the La Crosse, Wis. area. WKBT-TV is owned by Morgan Murphy Broadcasting Group.

Context: Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare announced plans for an expansion and renovation of its Cancer Center in November 2017, which includes the departments of Hematology/Oncology and Radiation Oncology. The Cancer Center has seen immense growth since opening in September 2004. The practice has grown from two medical oncologists and one radiation oncologist to four medical oncologists, two radiation oncologists and three associate providers. During this same time, the number of patients receiving cancer care has doubled. The $4.9 million project will add 3900 square feet including nine exam rooms and nine treatment chairs to the Cancer Center, located on the lower level of the Cancer and Surgery Building. Dedicated space for valuable support services such as dietetics, social work and palliative care will also be created. The project further integrates local cancer services with Mayo Clinic cancer care in order to provide comprehensive, consistent care throughout the Midwest. You can read more about the expansion here.

Contact:  Rick Thiesse

Tags: building expansion, Cancer, Dr. Paula Gill, Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare, Uncategorized, WKBT La Crosse