Metro Health has received approval from the state of Michigan to offer radiation treatment services at the new Cancer Center at Metro Health Village in Wyoming. The Michigan Department of Community Health has approved a certificate of need for a linear accelerator - a key piece of equipment necessary in the treatment of cancer utilizing radiation therapy. The decision clears the way for Metro Health to expand services for its patients throughout West Michigan.
Metro Health is partnering with Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan to provide medical oncology services at the center under the direction of oncology and hematology specialist, Michael Zakem, DO. The first phase of the 21,500-square-foot cancer center will open June 30 when Zakem, a longtime member of the Metro Health Hospital staff, moves his practice to the center.
"We are extremely pleased to have state approval to move forward with the new Cancer Center at Metro Health Village," said Michael Faas, president of Metro Health. "As our patient volume demonstrates, the need is certainly there - as is the desire from our patients, who consistently tell us that they want to stay within the Metro Health system for all their health-care needs.
"As with all of our medical services, our focus remains on clinical excellence, patient safety and service excellence. We look forward to continuing our work with Dr. Zakem and his team, to provide patient centered quality cancer care that is personalized, accessible and affordable."
Construction of the new facility is nearly complete. It is located on the secluded southeast corner of Metro Health Village, surrounded by mature trees and a pond. Services at the center will include primary cancer care, featuring space for office visits with oncologists, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It will also feature a dedicated pharmacy, lab and cancer information resource center.
Building on Metro's focus on holistic health care, the new Cancer Center will enable patients to receive a broad range of cancer services in a pleasant, therapeutic environment. The location was specifically chosen for its calm and tranquil environment, which will provide a spiritual, social and visual respite for patients and their families.
"This decision is very much patient driven," Zakem said. "My patients consistently tell me that they want to receive their cancer treatments in a less hectic and more soothing environment like the one we are building at Metro Health Village. This location, which is easily accessible and in an attractive setting, should resonate with residents from around the region.
"A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing announcement. My team and I are pleased to be able to partner with Metro Health to provide care in a new, state-of-the-art facility designed to promote healing and wellness."