Cancer treatment at Trinity to expand

FORT DODGE - Trinity Regional Medical Center got the green light Wednesday to acquire the equipment necessary to provide radiation therapy for cancer patients.

The State Health Facilities Council acted favorably on the local medical center's request to purchase a linear accelerator and CT simulator at a cost of approximately $5 million. Currently, patients must travel elsewhere in the state to receive the type of treatment made possible by this technology. About 80 percent of the local patients in this category receive radiation therapy at a facility at 1900 Superior St. in Webster City operated by Ames-based Mary Greeley Medical Center.

As a result of the state approval granted at Wednesday's meeting of the SHFC, Trinity will purchase the linear accelerator in Webster City from Mary Greeley. This capability will eventually be relocated to Fort Dodge, but will be continue at the Webster City site until that has been accomplished, according to Sue Thompson, president and chief executive officer of TRMC.

Thompson said adding radiation therapy will broaden significantly Trinity's treatment options. TRMC already offers surgical, medical and support care for cancer patients.

"The council's approval of our application will allow us to provide comprehensive cancer services to our region," she said. "Currently, we have an outstanding cancer program and radiation therapy is the final component to that program."

Thompson attributed TRMC's success in getting the nod to make this acquisition to a recognition by the council members that there is a need for this service locally. She also pointed to strong backing for the application from the community as a factor.

"The incredible support of our community was recognized by the ... council," she said. "We are grateful for the community's continued support. I truly believe that we would not have been successful without it."

SHFC approval is required before a hospital can offer or develop certain types of new or changed services. The council is a five-member body appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.

Contact Terrence Dwyer at (515) 573-2141 or tdwyer@messengernews.net

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