DETROIT, May 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute announced today it will expand its Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills into a full-service, outpatient oncology center by 2021.
“Karmanos Cancer Institute is embarking on this exciting project because of the greater convenience this will provide to our patients and their families,” said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., Karmanos President and CEO. “As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in metropolitan Detroit, we at Karmanos are committed to providing this advanced level of care to our patients at our main campus in Detroit, as well as our patients throughout the region.”
The first phase of this two-phase renovation and expansion project is expected to begin this month. The total project cost is estimated at $47.5 million and will be financed with internal funds and philanthropy.
Karmanos established a presence in Oakland County with the opening of the Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in 2001 and quickly outgrew its capacity, limiting future service offerings. With the expansion, Weisberg will become nearly four times as large, increasing its current footprint from 17,700 to 69,100 square feet.
The first phase of the project will expand the radiation area to offer the latest advancements in radiation oncology, imaging bays and additional services, including research. Procedure rooms and an interventional radiology suite will also be added. The second phase of the project, expected to begin in April 2019, will renovate the infusion, laboratory and pharmacy areas, clinic care space and areas where support services and survivorship programming are held.
Karmanos’ Farmington Hills location will continue seeing patients during renovations, as well as offer various programs to patients and their families.
“We anticipate keeping any inconvenience to our patients at a minimum. All renovation and expansion activities have been planned with patient care as our highest priority,” said Dr. Bepler.
The Weisberg expansion will serve Karmanos patients throughout their cancer journey, according to Justin Klamerus, M.D., MMM, president of Karmanos Cancer Hospital and Network.
“With so many advancements in the treatment of cancer, there are more cancer survivors every year,” said Dr. Klamerus. “A larger facility will enhance the experience for our cancer patients and their families on a continuum, making services more accessible during their cancer journey, as well as maintaining follow-up after their cancer treatment has ended.”
Architectural firm Ghafari Associates and construction firm Roncelli, Inc. have been retained. Approximately 30 to 40 construction jobs will be created.
Karmanos Cancer Institute is headquartered in Detroit where it offers its patients a full array of comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services.
About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Karmanos Cancer Institute is headquartered in Detroit, with 14 locations throughout Michigan. As part of McLaren, Karmanos is the largest cancer care and research network in the state. It is among the nation’s best cancer centers as one of the National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States and the only one located in metro Detroit. Karmanos cancer experts focus solely on cancer to prevent, detect and treat as well as eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit www.karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
MEDIA CONTACT: Patricia A. Ellis, 313-576-8629 or ellisp@karmanos.org
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ccf21d46-bc3a-407a-aab4-38ffc4fb82bd