Iron Mountain, Mich. (WZMQ) – In Dickinson County, the Marshfield Medical Center Dickinson Hospital’s new cancer center broke ground just this morning.
At Marshfield Medical Center, Dickinson, 50 plus representatives from the area were at this morning’s groundbreaking ceremony. The new cancer center has been in the works for 6 years. Excitement was shared over the new regional cancer care center’s plans. Doctor Gustavo Morel, a Medical Oncologist on staff at the hospital, noted that for 22 years he and his colleagues have been providing oncology care at the hospital.
“It’s been a dream for us to be able to improve the physical facilities and be able to provide the best comfort, and the best place to receive their treatment at,” Doctor Morel remarked.
This will create progress in the health facility as a whole, especially as it will bring about advancement’s in research as the hospital plans for the new center to incorporate cancer research in the facility.
“Well, I think that the center is going to be unique in the sense that radiation and oncology are going to be in the same area, so obviously the interaction between the medical oncologist and the radiation oncologist is going to be much more fluid,” informed Doctor Morel.
Senator Ed McBroom shared his excitement, and is impressed with everything the community has done to keep the hospital open and thriving.
“You know, when it comes to cancer, it’s something that touches so many of us. I don’t think you could run into somebody who hasn’t had some exposure in their family, and their friends,” stated Senator McBroom. “It’s certainly a really big deal for the Upper Peninsula, and particularly the south central area to have this new facility under construction, and I’m excited for it to be opening up,” he commented.
“It’s always how far away do you have to go for treatment, and the more it can be kept close to home, I think the more peace there is on a lot of people’s mind’s. I think it’s just remarkable all the work Marshfield and the community have done to first keep this hospital here, and now to see it expanding and providing these additional services is a real tribute to everyone who’s put their best foot forward to make this facility stay open,” Senator McBroom added.”
Gundlach Champion plans to have the concrete foundation set by mid-July, and expects the interior work to begin by November first. Hospital staff anticipate the regional cancer care center will open by fall of next year.