New Cancer Center to Be Built by Beloit Health System

Beloit Health System announces plans to construct a new cancer center in Beloit, along with a stronger alliance with the University of Wisconsin. The new center will bring together all cancer services under one roof.

Construction will begin this spring on a free-standing cancer center that will continue Beloit’s existing relationship with the UW Carbone Cancer Center in Madison.

"Beloit Health System began an affiliation with what is now UW Health in 1985," states Greg Britton, president, and CEO of Beloit Health System. "In fact, we were one of their first affiliates. We are now very pleased to announce the construction of a free-standing Cancer Center and stronger collaboration with the expertise of UW."

The new Cancer Center will be built on a five-acre parcel of land on the corners of Milwaukee Road and Lee Lane, in front of Beloit Health System’s Occupational Health, Sports, and Family Clinic. The land has been owned by the hospital for seven years and is easily accessible and highly visible.

With its convenient location near major highways, the Cancer Center is designed to serve cancer patients in the broad region of Rock and Walworth counties, as well as those in northern Illinois. Anticipated costs for the new building are $11.6 million with a scheduled opening in December 2013.

"We are pleased that many patients will be able to stay closer to home while receiving the highest possible level of cancer care in Beloit," said Dr. Jeffrey Grossman, president, and CEO of the UW Medical Foundation. Donna Katen-Bahensky, the president and CEO of UW Hospital and Clinics, added that "offering unsurpassed cancer care in a patient’s own community is what UW Health strives to do and is an important part of patient- and family-centered care."

Drs. Peter Mahler and Walter Vogel will continue to practice at the new site. Dr. Mahler, Beloit Health System’s full-time radiation oncologist, is on the faculty of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. He has practiced in Beloit since 1991. Dr. Walter Vogel, the medical oncologist, is triple board-certified and has been with Beloit Clinic since 1987.

Currently, US News and World Report ranked the University of Wisconsin in the top 50 cancer facilities and UW Hospital and Clinics the number-one hospital in Wisconsin.

"The new Center will expand and improve our cancer treatment options," states Tim McKevett, Beloit Health System Senior Vice President. "It will be equipped with state-of-the-art cancer-fighting technology such as Image Guided Radiation. About 50% of the cancer patients we serve in this area need both radiation and chemotherapy. Soon they will have one location for these treatments that are focused on their comfort." Beloit Health System’s physicians will work more closely with UW cancer specialists and will have access to the latest treatment protocols and education.

The Cancer Center will offer complete cancer services at one location, rather than the current division of radiation at the hospital and chemotherapy at Beloit Clinic. Services will include medical oncology, chemotherapy and infusion, and advanced radiation therapy. It will also feature patient support benefits, along with serene indoor and outdoor surroundings. An additional benefit of the new free-standing clinic will be greater patient convenience since there will be no disruption in inpatient care as the new machine is set up and calibrated.

"Beloit Health System is committed to providing the highest level of quality and patient satisfaction," emphasized Dr. Peter Mahler. "The new Cancer Center is a very good thing for cancer patients in the area. We are looking forward to the latest treatment options for our patients."

Beloit Health System includes Beloit Hospital, Beloit Clinic, and nine outreach locations in the southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois area. Beloit Health System is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and offers comprehensive and distinctive health and wellness services.