University Medical Center New Orleans officially opens phase one of its expanded cancer center, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 this morning. Dr. Amelia Jernigan with UMC New Orleans says the additional space will allow cancer patients to be able to be seen quickly for frontline care.
“We’re looking at about a 20% growth in new cancer cases being diagnosed and treated frontline at UMC, year over year, this year over last. Then we’ve added dozens of new providers to help for our patients with cancer,” Jernigan noted.
Dr. Jernigan says the expansion will help support the needs of oncology patients throughout the entire region.
“It’s allowed us to expand our exam rooms from nine exams to 18 in the cancer center proper, plus an additional 10 in our annex. And then we’ve also increased our infusion volume, so we’ve been able to make more space to give people lifesaving systemic therapy,” Jernigan explained.
Jernigan says this expansion is possible thanks to federal funding that New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter helped secure.
“It’s a $2 million grant, so we’re very, very grateful for that. It shows the belief that we provide necessary services and lifesaving services to our community,” Jernigan said.