WVU Cancer Institute opens center at WVU Medicine Thomas Memorial Hospital

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va – WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony today (Feb. 7) at the new WVU Cancer Institute at Thomas Memorial Hospital. The renovated facility, located at 500 Poplar Street in South Charleston, provides an expanded area for specialized cancer treatment and clinical visits all in one building. 

The new center takes a multidisciplinary approach to medical oncology care, including chemotherapy and other infusion services, an onsite lab, and a pharmacy planned for later this year, in addition to the radiation oncology services already provided at Thomas. The center includes 17 exam rooms, one procedure room, and 32 infusion bays. Patients will have access to nurse navigation, a telephone triage system for symptom management and prescription refills, tumor boards, and telemedicine appointments.

“Since becoming a major hub for WVU Medicine, Thomas Hospitals has expanded services and opened several renovated facilities across its campuses,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the West Virginia University Health System, said. “The opening of the WVU Cancer Institute at Thomas Memorial Hospital is another example of how we are working to ensure patients in the Kanawha Valley have access to the same quality of care that they can receive at our main campus in Morgantown.” 
 
The new space is four times larger than the previous space, offering a home-like environment with a fireplace, recliners in the infusion center, a healing garden, and hand-picked artwork. The building is easily accessible and has a covered drop-off area at the front doors. Patients may also utilize the free shuttle. 

“A brand new WVU Cancer Institute at Thomas Hospitals brings with it a new era of care for patients,”  Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, M.D., executive chair and director of the WVU Cancer Institute, said. “This isn’t just a bricks-and-mortar investment; it’s an investment in the community and the people of the region who need cancer treatment and can rest assured that the services they need are close to home.” 
 
Physicians are located on the second floor of the building, which was designed to allow them to work out of pods with centralized desks surrounded by exam rooms. The care team works alongside the physicians out of the pods to facilitate efficient communication when patients need extra testing or other resources. 

“Patients are often here for an extended amount of time, so we want them to feel comfortable,” Erin Jackson, director of cancer services at Thomas Hospitals, said. “We are so grateful to provide not only a beautiful space, but a more convenient facility for our patients. We are now able to accommodate more patients with added chairs and cannot wait to continue to expand our services.” 

The WVU Cancer Institute at Thomas Memorial Hospital is a full service, regional treatment center, offering a compassionate and supportive atmosphere, along with advanced medical cancer treatment. Thomas Hospitals’ clinicians treat virtually every type of cancer, including breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, head and neck, brain, gynecologic, skin, and hematological disorders. 

“At Thomas Hospitals, we are committed to providing residents of southern West Virginia and surrounding areas with high-quality oncology care without having to travel far from home,” Greg Rosencrance, M.D., president and CEO of Thomas Hospitals, said. “Our caregivers and patients have shared positive feedback regarding the new space, and our talented and experienced team is pleased to offer individualized, compassionate care in a state-of-the-art WVU Cancer Institute facility.” 

Patients wishing to schedule medical oncology and infusion appointments at Thomas Hospitals can call 304-766-4350.

For more information on the WVU Cancer Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/Cancer. For more information on WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, visit ThomasHospitals.org.