“We are very excited, you know this really marks the next step in expanding access to world class cancer care for our patients in West Michigan.”
Dr. Ronald Grifka is the President of UM Health-West where they just opened their new hematology and cancer care building.He says their current building has served them well.However, over the last 12 months, cancer care patient volumes have quadrupled.Dr. Grifka noting “they were busting at the seams.” But this new expansion, nearly triples exam room capacity. Going from eight to 23 rooms.
Dr. Grifka says this move will allow them to meet the demands for cancer care, like seeing patients sooner, which could help ease some psychological stress and trauma.
“Can you imagine, someone says you may have cancer and you’re waiting two-three weeks to see a physician, that’s got to be incredibly challenging, if we can see them sooner, quicker with a high-quality physician, that’s a win-win for everybody.”
And as they expand, Dr. Grifka says they have a unique situation here with “The Cancer Network of West Michigan”.The network includes UM Health West, Trinity Health Grand Rapids and Muskegon and the Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, which doctors say is elevating cancer care across the region.
Phase two of this project is slated for next year.
