MOUNT VERNON — Knox Community Hospital is bringing the latest radiation technology to cancer patients in Knox County and beyond, starting next week.
The hospital’s Center for Cancer Care has installed a new Varian® TrueBeam® linear accelerator. The oncology department will use it for radiation treatments beginning Oct. 27.
KCH has provided radiation therapy since 2006. However, the previous accelerator was nearing its end of life after multiple updates.
Hospital CEO Bruce White said it can take four to five months to decommission a unit and install a new one. The hospital brought in a temporary unit in the interim.
“Which was extremely expensive but was the right thing to do because we’ve been able to continue those services for the patients uninterrupted,” he said.
White said the transition is going extremely well.
“I’m just so pleased with how the team’s done such a great job, and I know the patients have appreciated the fact that care wasn’t interrupted during the time frame. We’re really looking forward to the new unit coming online and the enhanced capabilities it’s going to provide,” he said.
“With the rural health transformation funds that we’re going to get helping offset some of the costs of the PET-CT, it’s just another piece in the puzzle of trying to make sure we continue to provide comprehensive cancer care, which is a real gem for a community like ours.”
Benefits of the new accelerator include:
• Increased speed of the treatment process.
• Less time on the table for the patient.
• Fewer side effects due to tighter treatment planning margins (greater precision).
• Improved patient experience through increased comfort.
• Patient confidence in the latest technology.
• Shorter duration of treatments.
Capital campaign helps provide funds
The Foundation for Knox Community Hospital launched a capital campaign to raise funds for the new accelerator. The goal was to raise $1.2 million toward the $3 million cost.
Although the equipment has been installed, the Accelerating the Future of Cancer Care campaign continues. So far, the campaign has raised more than $500,000.
Individuals or organizations wishing to contribute can visit kch.org/linear-accelerator-campaign. The Ariel Foundation will match contributions. Call 740.393.9085 for more information.
To celebrate the new equipment, the Knox County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Knox Medical Pavilion, 1330 Coshocton Ave.
