Friday, December 30, 2022 – Jefferson Healthcare applauds the passage of the 2023 federal budget and is excited to welcome a federal appropriation of $2.5 million for the Jefferson Cancer Treatment Project, supported by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington). This appropriation supports a critical healthcare need in East Jefferson County, specifically the ability to provide radiation cancer treatment. Jefferson Healthcare currently provides excellent cancer diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy, but is not able to offer radiation oncology. This appropriation supports the purchase of a linear accelerator that would allow Jefferson Healthcare to offer radiation treatment to patients.
Currently, residents in our community and their families must travel significant distances for very brief visits to receive radiation treatment. These visits can take more than 2-3 hours round trip as patients must drive into neighboring counties, often across the Hood Canal Bridge, and back. We anticipate that over 200 patients a year will benefit from this treatment option, saving thousands of hours of driving and an untold burden on themselves and their families and caregivers. Incorporating radiation treatment into the rest of our oncology care will also support a more integrated care experience, allowing for higher quality and more seamless experience for patients. Jefferson Healthcare is deeply grateful to Senator Cantwell for her support and looks forward to moving this project forward.
“This project is strongly supported by the entire community and is expected to serve hundreds of patients annually. Nothing is more critical than ensuring patients have access to comprehensive, full-spectrum cancer care. This appropriation, supported by Senator Cantwell, is integral to helping us bring this service to our community right here at home, ” Mike Glenn, CEO of Jefferson Healthcare
Jefferson Healthcare will begin construction of a new medical office building to replace current outdated structures in the summer of 2023. The new building will provide the home for a Radiation Oncology Clinic and the new linear accelerator. Additionally, Jefferson Healthcare will expand the existing services of dermatology, obstetrics and gynecology, and outpatient surgical services as well as create new service line space for pulmonology, neurology, and ear, nose, and throat.