Bon Secours Health System opens new Cancer Institute at St. Francis

Bon Secours Richmond Health System dedicated its new Cancer Institute on the St. Francis campus last week. During the ceremony, Peter Bernard, CEO of Bon Secours Richmond Health System, poured water into the fountain while (from left) Sister Theresa Horvath, Bishop Francis DiLorenzo and Susan Allen, Virginia's former First Lady, looked on. The water was taken from sources from around the world and is symbolic of unity.

The Bon Secours Cancer Institute, a comprehensive cancer program of Bon Secours Richmond Health System, has opened its first freestanding building at St. Francis Medical Center.

The Institute provides advanced medical and radiation oncology services in a 55,000 square-foot patient care and physician-office facility. The state-of-the-art equipment and technology is coupled with special features that provide a peaceful, healing atmosphere. "The innovation found in the Bon Secours Cancer Institute is tremendous," said Peter J. Bernard, CEO of Bon Secours Richmond Health System. "We've taken advanced medical services and blended them with an atmosphere conducive to peace and healing, which is important when someone is facing cancer."

The Institute's special features include a two-story stone fireplace, a prayer garden and garden views for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. One of the distinguishing aspects of Bon Secours' cancer program is the Patient Navigator system. The system employs cancer specialists, located at each facility, to guide patients through their cancer care. Patient Navigators arrange lab work, diagnostics, treatment schedules, physician visits and any other needs patients might have.

"Our experience tells us that this confusing and overwhelming time needs to be orchestrated by someone who can work on behalf of the patient," said Melinda Miller, vice president for oncology services at Bon Secours. "A person that helps guide patients through the system, taking them through the next steps, will help tremendously."

Bon Secours Cancer Institute offers diagnostic services, a linear accelerator, infusion therapy, palliative care and patient and family education.

A Wellness and Appearance Boutique provides patients with everything from prosthesis to special clothing and wigs. Educational tools can be found in the extensive resource library and a Healthy Food Café also is onsite.