Baylor Scott & White Health held a ribbon cutting at Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center – Round Rock, a new cancer facility offering comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and support services in one location, using a single electronic medical record.
The new 38,741 square-foot facility is the only cancer center, located adjacent to its medical center, in a five-county market and will serve the growing needs of patients in the Round Rock, Williamson County and surrounding areas. The center received full accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer in June.
"Today we are fulfilling our promise to improve access and service to those in need of cancer care services," said Mehul Patel, MD, section chief of radiation oncology at Baylor Scott & White Austin/Round Rock region. "I'm proud of our continued investments in the communities we serve and know that our patients will receive the quality care they deserve."
The cancer center, on the ground floor of the new four-story specialty clinic on the campus of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock, brings together all aspects of cancer care under one roof —medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, gynecological oncology and neuro-oncology—along with support programs and a comprehensive breast cancer center. With the addition of radiation oncology to the services already provided at Baylor Scott & White - Round Rock, local patients no longer have to travel 45 miles to Temple to seek care. These patients will also have access to services already offered at the campus, including a primary care clinic, multi-specialty clinics and a full-service, 101-bed hospital.
"We are committed to providing personalized, integrated, and comprehensive care in one location so Round Rock area residents can continue to work, attend school and maintain their daily lives with as little interruption as possible," said Jay Fox, president of Baylor Scott & White Austin/Round Rock region. "The convenience of this new state-of-the-art cancer center and access to board-certified cancer specialists will enhance the patient experience and positively impact our patients' lives."
The new cancer facility opens as the Round Rock area is experiencing robust growth and, ultimately, an increased demand for close-to-home cancer care. In 2016, the area reported 6,620 new cancer cases, the equivalent of 18 new diagnoses a day. It's expected that the number of new cancer diagnoses will continue to grow as the area's population increases.
To serve this fast-growing population center, Baylor Scott & White Cancer Center – Round Rock plans to implement new programs to support cancer patients and expand existing programs. The new cancer center will include:
- Oncology Integrative Medicine Program
- Dedicated breast cancer center
- Oncology-certified nurse-patient navigators
- Outpatient infusion services – oncology and blood transfusions
- Cancer prevention, screening and risk assessments
- Palliative care
- On-site lab services
- Oncology survivorship programs
- Social work services
- Patient and family counseling and support groups
- Nutritional support program
"Our integrated cancer care model is unlike any other in the region, offering robust services in a single location, which allows for timely, effective and technologically-advanced treatments," said Robin Watson, MD, chief medical officer for the Baylor Scott & White Austin/Round Rock region. "We were one of the first to recognize the growing needs of this community and we are proud to continue our legacy of improving the quality of life for cancer patients in central Texas."
Baylor Scott & White Round Rock's board-certified hematologists and medical oncologists have provided excellent cancer care since 2008. The multi-disciplinary team of medical experts is equipped to administer care to patients diagnosed with complex cancers. The imaging team utilizes the latest technologies including 3-D digital mammography, ultrasound, MRI, CT and PET/CT to diagnose cancers and to determine response to treatment. In addition, the team of surgeons performs advanced minimally invasive surgeries and specialty procedures to care for cancer patients.
With the opening of the new facility, and the co-location of a wide range of medical specialists in a single location, patients will experience a more streamlined journey with enhanced access to the entire Baylor Scott & White system including research and clinical trials.
In addition, Baylor Scott & White's collaboration with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) enables the organization to establish a large-scale research consortium to advance personalized oncology—an innovative treatment strategy that helps diagnose and treat tumors sooner.
There will be an open house featuring screenings, education and facility tours on Saturday, Sept. 30. For more information about Baylor Scott & White clinics, visit www.bswhealth.com
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About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White is empowering customers to live well by reimagining traditional healthcare — creating more convenient, personalized and informed experiences. It serves more than three million customers through 55 hospitals, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple; the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; 1,300+ access points; 59,000+ team members; and its leading digital platform — MyBSWHealth. The system's award-winning employer solutions include Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and Levanto — a company offering digitally enabled health products. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White's mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
