Sutter Delta - Index

Sutter Delta - spring2008magazine - Index

All-in-One
Cancer Care Is Here
Dr. Bimal Patel
$16 Million Clinic Funded by Sutter-Affiliated Physician Group
A new approach to cancer care is arriving
in Antioch. In early 2008, an all-in-one cancer
clinic will open its doors, offering everything
from imaging to diagnosis to chemotherapy and
holistic approaches, all in one caring place.
Medical oncologist Bimal Patel, M.D., is affiliated
with Sutter Delta Medical Center and
works with the East Bay Medical Oncology and
Hematology Associates group. The project was
funded by the East Bay Medical Oncology and
Hematology Associates group.
The Future of Cancer Care—Now
The new 20,000-square-foot facility is located on Dallas Ranch Road, just
off Lone Tree Way. “This is going to be the future of treatment for cancer,
where patients can go to find themselves surrounded by hope,” Dr. Patel
says. The clinic has a staff of 30 people, plus eight medical oncologists.
“Patients are sick and need modern technology combined with holistic
healing, and that is our approach,” Dr. Patel says. “When you can do imaging,
diagnose cancer, plan treatment, and administer radiation and chemotherapy
all under one roof and just five minutes from home, the patient is
the one who wins. Typically someone would be diagnosed at one place and
go to another for treatment and another for surgery. This involves driving
30, sometimes 40, minutes, and these patients shouldn’t have to deal with
Bay Area traffic.” The new clinic combines many disciplines—including
holistic approaches to treatment—at one location, making it convenient for
those who need its services in the eastern part of Contra Costa County.
Treating More than the Disease
Patients, as well as those interested in being a support person for patients,
will find a wealth of opportunity and education at the clinic. The clinic
has planned to form groups dedicated to promoting community education
and awareness, as well as support groups for people with cancer and their
families.
“When you look at how fragmented cancer treatment has been, this type
of business model is special,” Dr. Patel says. “When you look at what happens
before, during and after treatment, you see how patients can fall
through the cracks. We’re helping raise awareness here, treating here,
but also following up, helping support the family, and this means going
beyond a person’s disease. We’ve decided to put our money where our
mouth is here, and I believe it’s going to be a huge success.”
The entire facility, including its state-of-the-art equipment, cost roughly
$16 million. But the kind of care and hope for recovery that it offers,
according to Dr. Patel, is priceless.
“Patients are sick and need
modern technology combined
with holistic healing, and that
is our approach.”
—Dr. Bimal Patel
Sutter Delta Medical Center www.sutterdelta.org 7