Memorial Hermann Cancer Center-Southeast, located at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, recently expanded its suite of cancer services to better meet the needs of patients in communities in southeast Houston and the Bay Area. With the addition of upgraded technology and an expanded outpatient intravenous therapy suite, patients now have access to a higher level of comprehensive cancer care from diagnosis to surgery and treatment.
“Expanding our cancer expertise and growing our services was one of our major initiatives this past year because we wanted to provide comprehensive care under one roof for our patients and keep them close to home. Patients can now be diagnosed, receive chemotherapy, have surgical procedures and return for any additional therapy here at Memorial Hermann Southeast,” said Kyle Price, Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital and Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital.
As part of the expansion, new physicians have joined the Cancer Center, including physicians affiliated with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. The addition of these affiliated physicians creates a well-rounded multispecialty group of oncology experts who can treat most major types and aspects of cancer and provide comprehensive collaborative care. Affiliated and board-certified subspecialists include medical oncology and radiation oncology, as well as specialists in surgical oncology, including breast, pancreatic, liver, sarcoma and melanoma; gynecologic oncology; thoracic and lung surgery; colorectal surgery; and urological surgery.A newly renovated Outpatient IV Therapy suite provides a larger area with comfortable chairs and televisions for patients to feel more at home as they undergo treatment. Treatments available at the therapy suite include chemotherapy infusions, immunotherapy, blood transfusions, and IV medications.
“We wanted to make our patients feel welcomed and comfortable as they undergo their treatment,” Price said.
At the IV Therapy Suite, oncology-certified nurses provide continuous monitoring and assessment of patients throughout their treatment in the suite.
“As the landscape of cancer care continues to change rapidly, having nurses that hold oncology certifications ensures that our patients visiting the IV Therapy Suite are being cared for by those possessing specialized knowledge and experience in cancer care,” Price said.
The Cancer Center also added oncology nurse navigators, who serve as a central point of contact for patients and treatment team members. “We are glad that we are able to serve as a guide through treatment and provide emotional and educational support for patients and their families all while helping them to coordinate their care,” said Krystie Fenton, Oncology Nurse Navigator at Memorial Hermann Southeast.
Patients have access to the latest in minimally invasive technology and targeted therapy through the addition of four new machines. These new machines include the da Vinci Surgical System; iLogic Electromagnetic Navigration Bronchoscopy; Linac radiation machine and the Civco Blok Pro respiratory gating device.
Since opening in 2007, the Cancer Center has been committed to offering patients in southeast Houston and surrounding communities the most advanced and comprehensive cancer care and treatment options. From routine screenings to complex treatment, the Cancer Center brings together high-quality skill and breakthrough technology to deliver optimal outcomes.