- June 27, 2024
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When Florida Hospital Flagler was constructed in 2002, it was built with future expansion in mind, and that includes the facility's cancer center which recently added an additional 2,000 square feet as well as a second treatment machine which delivers cutting-edge radiation therapy.
"It was all part of the original master plan," said Florida Hospital Flagler JoAnne King.
The hospital completed the $4.5 million upgrade Jan. 31, and offered a tour of the new cancer center March 2.
On display was the True Beam machine, which combines 3-D computer imaging with high-intensity radiation beams that enable it to deliver more targeted cancer treatment. Florida Hospital Flagler is the only medical provider in Flagler, Volusia and St. Johns counties to offer the technology, which hospital administrators say cuts average treatment time down from 30 minutes to two minutes.
"That can be a big deal if you're coming here every day for treatment," said Kristie Reiner, the hospital's director of oncology operations.
Luis Carrascosa, head of the radiation oncology department, said that convenience is just one of the reasons to choose Florida Hospital Flagler for cancer therapy.
"I want you to come here because it's the best place to get quality care," Carrascosa told the crowd gathered for the opening of the cancer center.
Currently, the cancer center is seeing an average of about 25 patients a day, but that number has been as high as more than 40 some days, according to Reiner.
King said she fully anticipates the volume of cancer patients to increase as more people -- even outside of the immediate area -- hear about the new technology, making it a geographical draw.
Construction of the new cancer center began in July 2016. Of the $4.5 million total cost of the project, $3.2 million paid for the True Beam machine itself.
