Southeast Missouri Hospital Holds Topping Out Celebration for new Regional Cancer Center

Southeast Missouri Hospital marked the completion of the new Regional Cancer Center's steel structure with a Topping Out celebration on Tuesday, January 26.

The celebration kicked off at 5 p.m. in the Lobby of the Southeast Regional Medical Complex, adjacent to the new cancer center at 817 S. Mount Auburn Road. A reception followed.

The celebration by Hospital leaders, physicians and staff included a beam signing ceremony, reaffirming the Hospital's pledge to provide comprehensive, advanced cancer treatment in a patient-centered environment.

"This is truly a special beam because it is being signed by those associated with our cancer program and Southeast Missouri Hospital," said Hospital President and CEO Debbie Linnes.

"At some point in our lives, cancer touches all of us in one way or another. Providing cancer patients with quality care which results in the best possible outcome is a mission we do not take lightly. Achieving excellence and delivering excellent care is something we plan for and strive for on a daily basis," Linnes said.

"Southeast already is well positioned as the region's leader in cancer care with a comprehensive program that can be equated to cancer centers in major cities across the nation. Testimony to that is our Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons," Linnes said. Only about 25 percent of hospitals in the United States have earned this prestigious designation.

Construction began last year on the $33 million cancer center which is one of the largest building projects in the Hospital's history. The center is scheduled to open in December 2010.

Hospital Board Chairman Al Spradling III told those gathered, "When this beautiful new cancer center opens in December of this year we will take yet another giant step in the delivery of cancer care."

Spradling acknowledged the dedication, expertise and vision of Southeast's physicians and staff, along with the vision of Hospital leadership, in "rapidly making this outstanding new facility a reality."

He also offered up some "fun facts" about the construction. The center's construction includes 493 tons of steel, the equivalent of 193 male Asian elephants. If the steel were placed end to end, it would cover 4.25 miles, the equivalent of the length of about six Bill Emerson Memorial bridges.

Construction of the center's radiation therapy vaults involves 2,550 cubic yards of concrete. Based on an average load, it would take more than 283 cement trucks to carry all that concrete. When cubic yards are converted to gallons, it would be equivalent to the amount of water used to wash more than 34,000 loads of laundry.

The center's exterior glass wall will cover 15,800 square feet, nearly the size of Elvis Presley's Graceland home.

Vice President/Chief Medical Officer E. Lee Taylor, MD, JD, said prior to the ceremony that the new 42,900 square foot center will offer the best in care for cancer patients. "The new building with its highly trained and skilled staff of physicians and other healthcare personnel, all working together to provide patient-focused care with world-class treatments and technology, will be the first of its kind in the region," he said.

Services will be provided in one convenient, easily accessible location with ample parking. The center will have an interior pedestrian link to the adjacent Southeast Regional Medical Complex.