As we continue our series of ‘Virtual’ Town Hall Meetings, we turn our focus to a heartwarming homecoming story with the return of the Landmark Cancer Center to Cass Ave, nestled in the familiar surroundings of Woonsocket, RI. This move marks a significant milestone in the Center’s history, reinforcing its commitment to accessible, comprehensive cancer care right in the heart of the community it serves.
In this segment, we sit down with Lisa Cahee-Stevens, a key figure at the Cancer Center, who has been instrumental in orchestrating this transition and enhancing the services offered. As the Director of Oncology, Lisa’s deep connection to the community and her unwavering dedication to patient care make her the perfect spokesperson to discuss the advancements and future plans of the Cancer Center. Join us as Lisa shares her insights on the impact of returning to Cass Ave and what this means for the patients and staff of Landmark Cancer Center.
Can you walk us through the process of relocating and redesigning the Landmark Cancer Center? What were some of the key challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
LS: “As the Director of Oncology at Landmark Cancer Center, I’ve been deeply involved in the relocation and redesigning journey, and I must say, it’s been quite the adventure! Working closely with architects and our amazing team, we tackled challenges like solving a giant puzzle. We wanted to ensure every corner of our new space was just right for our patients and staff, like finding the perfect spot for the sharps container and gloves!
One of the highlights for me was insisting on natural light flooding into our infusion center. I mean, who wouldn’t want a bit of sunshine during a long treatment session, right? It’s these little touches that make all the difference. Seeing our patients’ smiles and hearing their positive feedback truly makes all the hard work worth it.“
What are some of the notable improvements or advancements in the new Cancer Center facility, and how do you anticipate these enhancements will benefit patients and staff?
LS: “At the new Cancer Center facility, we’ve made significant strides to enhance patient care and experience. With the expansion to 15 chairs, we can accommodate more patients and offer greater flexibility in scheduling, ensuring everyone receives timely care. One notable improvement is the addition of our own pharmacy, meeting all USP standards. This allows us to compound drugs on-site, significantly reducing chair time for patients and streamlining their treatment journey.
Moreover, being closer to our collaborating physicians, such as Dr. Colette Whitby who specializes in Chest Surgery, fosters a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care right here at Landmark. Patients benefit from having all their providers in one place, easing any feelings of isolation during their battle against cancer. As we continue to expand and strengthen these collaborations, patient satisfaction remains our top priority, ensuring they receive comprehensive care conveniently located on our campus.”
How do you envision the new location contributing to the overall patient experience and accessibility of cancer care services for the community?
LS: “The new Cancer Center’s proximity to the main hospital is a game-changer for both patients and staff alike. Access to essential services like ultrasounds and chest x-rays just across the street streamlines patient care and minimizes travel burdens, particularly beneficial for those undergoing concurrent treatments. This centralized location aligns with the unique preferences of Rhode Islanders, who value convenience and proximity to home, enhancing accessibility to comprehensive cancer care without the need for lengthy journeys across the state.
Moreover, being part of the campus fosters a sense of support and collaboration among our team and colleagues. Close proximity facilitates interdisciplinary discussions and coordinated care, ensuring patients receive personalized, holistic treatment plans tailored to their needs. By fostering a cohesive environment, we can better serve our community and provide the high-quality care they deserve.“
Could you share some insights into how your team adapted to the transition and embraced the new facility? Have you observed any notable changes in teamwork or collaboration since the move?
LS: “The transition to the new facility was seamless thanks to the incredible teamwork and collaboration within our team at Landmark Cancer Center. From the outset, I made sure to involve everyone, seeking their input and ensuring they felt a sense of ownership in the process. This inclusive approach fostered a feeling of home even before we officially moved in, and the enthusiasm and dedication of my team were evident throughout the transition weekend. Despite the challenges, everyone volunteered their time and effort to ensure a smooth move, embodying our shared commitment to putting patients first.
Our teamwork and collaboration have only strengthened since the move, with open communication and mutual respect driving our efforts. From major decisions like facility design to smaller details like selecting artwork, every team member’s input was valued and incorporated. The positive feedback from our patients about the local artwork lining our halls is a testament to the collective effort and attention to detail that define our patient-centered approach.“
Looking ahead, what initiatives or developments do you have planned for the Landmark Cancer Center in the coming years, and how do you anticipate further enhancing the services and support provided to cancer patients and their families?
LS: “Looking ahead, the Landmark Cancer Center is focused on strengthening its multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, led by Dr. Nadeem, Sharon Benson (NP), and myself. Our goal is to streamline patient case discussions, mirroring practices seen in larger centers, to ensure every patient receives personalized, comprehensive care. Additionally, we aim to increase our presence within the community, serving as a resource for outpatient practices and expanding our services beyond oncology/hematology to benefit the community at large.
As we settle into our new location on Cass Ave, we anticipate further growth, including the potential addition of another oncologist to our team. Our facility was designed with scalability in mind, allowing us to accommodate future expansions seamlessly. In addition to clinical initiatives, we’re committed to nurturing supportive environments for our patients, exemplified by initiatives like our Art Therapy Group, which provides a comfortable space for patients to connect and express themselves. Overall, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead and the positive impact we can continue to make on our community and patients’ lives.”
We encourage and welcome your active participation by sharing any questions you may have regarding Landmark. If you have any ideas for future segments, please reach out to me, your Business Development and Marketing Coordinator, Chan Chhem, via phone at extension 2042 or through email at cchhem@primehealthcare.com. Your queries might be featured and addressed by our distinguished directors, executives, or esteemed physicians in our forthcoming town hall meetings.