Harrison Hospital’s Cancer Center is scheduled to
open Nov. 1 at its facility in East Bremerton

Harrison Hospital’s new Cancer Center has significantly raised the level of oncology care available in Kitsap County. In the past, cancer patients were forced to travel to Seattle and other long distances for certain kinds of radiation therapy. Even though they could receive some their care locally, the travel created one more difficulty at an already trying time.

The Cancer Center — which is set to open for business at the first part of November at Harrison’s main hospital campus in East Bremerton offers one modern linear accelerator with space for a second.

“It’s a state-of-the-art facility,” said Harrison’s president and CEO David Gitch. “There won’t be any other treatment facilities better than what we have here.”

What exactly does a modern linear accelerator do? “In simple terms, you can now treat a smaller field more aggressively and accurately, with less damage to surrounding tissue,” answers Dr. Charles Springate, a radiation oncologist at Harrison. Dr. Springate adds that this permits larger doses of radiation and, thus, an improved rate of success.

“The Cancer Center improves patient care on a number of levels,” adds Kay Buitenveld, RN, director of Harrison’s Oncology Services. “Being able to stay close to the people who offer you the most support is important to healing. It adds to well-being in ways we are only beginning to fully appreciate.”

“An important contribution that this new radiation oncology center will make is that it will allow patients to complete their full course of treatment here on the Kitsap Peninsula without having to go to Tacoma or Seattle.” echoed Gitch.

In terms of Harrison’s facility, the Cancer Center adds 11,000 square feet of new space and renovates an additional 2,500 along with additional underground parking. And according to Gitch, oncologists, radiologists, nurses, and patients all played a role in the design process.

“Waterfalls, skylights, music, peace — these are the sensations we’ve sought to create,” Buitenveld says. She adds that the comprehensive approach to cancer care was stressed in every aspect of the facility.

Stereos, gardens, a room just for humor — staff will continue to invent large and small comforts, Buitenveld says. “We’re making, rooms pleasant and large enough to accommodate family and friends. Because patients will receive all of their care here, we expect them to be more comfortable asking questions of staff and physicians. We want them to feel in control of their treatment and free to learn as much as they can about their situations, options, and progress.”

“Because people are hungry for information at this time, we’re building a wonderful education center with access to both the internet and printed materials,” Buitenveld noted.

Funds to support the new Cancer Center are being raised by the Harrison Hospital Foundation, which has contributed over $540,000 to the effort thus far.