Northeast Regional Medical Center to Resume Comprehensive Cancer Care in Spring 2025
9/25/2024
Updated Plan Does Not Require a Certificate of Need or Taxpayer Funding
KIRKSVILLE Mo. – Leaders at Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC) today announced updated plans to restore locally-delivered, comprehensive cancer services for the Kirksville community in spring 2025. The hospital will proceed with construction to modify its concrete vault so that a larger, existing linear accelerator can be transferred to Kirksville in order to quickly resume radiation oncology services on the campus of NRMC. Because the project can be completed below the $1 million threshold that would require a Certificate of Need (CON), the hospital has withdrawn its previously filed CON application and will move forward with its plans immediately.
Modification of the vault and improvements to the radiation oncology space in the NRMC outpatient oncology clinic will begin this fall. The linear accelerator will be installed early next year. Radiation oncology, using a linear accelerator, is an extremely effective treatment that can be used to treat many types of cancer. Linear accelerators use high energy x-rays or electrons that conform to a tumor’s shape to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue surrounding the tumor.
“We have decided this is the best and fastest way to make radiation oncology services available and to accelerate access to comprehensive cancer care close to home for our patients and community,” said Patrick Avila, CEO of Northeast Regional Medical Center. “Building upon our many years of delivering quality cancer care, with the collaboration and support of our long-term partners and skilled providers, NRMC is in the best position to advance a robust program in Kirksville.”
Cancer care has been offered at Northeast Regional Medical Center for nearly 25 years in collaboration with Missouri Cancer Associates. The previous linear accelerator was taken out of service in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. NRMC began discussions with Missouri Cancer Associates at that time and solidified options earlier this year to replace the linear accelerator.
“I am excited for the people of Kirksville and the surrounding communities to have improved access to radiation treatments for cancer,” said Reed Cope, M.D., radiation oncologist with Missouri Cancer Associates. “I look forward to contributing to exceptional oncology care in the region with Missouri Cancer Associates. Kirksville and the broader Northeast Missouri area hold special significance for me, given my academic background from Truman State University.”
NRMC is funding the work to restore local access to radiation oncology and comprehensive cancer treatment using its existing resources at no cost to the community’s tax-payers. The comprehensive program will include medical oncologists, oncology infusion services, radiation oncology, CT scanning with treatment and site mapping, lab services and access to specialty care physicians.
“ATSU is thankful there will be additional cancer treatment services available in Kirksville and pleased to support Northeast Regional Medical Center’s efforts,” said Craig M. Phelps, DO, Chancellor of A. T. Still University.
NRMC is the Missouri provider in the best position to restore radiation oncology services, working timely and without the use of tax-payer funds. It will take other providers at least two years to develop and implement a radiation oncology program in the community.
With over 500 healthcare professionals, NRMC is a teaching hospital associated with the founding school of osteopathic medicine, A.T. Still University. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/NortheastRegionalMedicalCenter.
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