Florida Cancer Specialists Press Release
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Holds Grand Opening Ceremony for $10 Million Tampa Cancer Center
Tampa, FL – October 23 – Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) today introduced its $10 million Tampa Cancer Center to Hillsborough patients and families with a grand opening ceremony.
“Our new flagship facility is designed to provide comprehensive cancer care in a soothing and healthful environment,” said Brad Prechtl, chief executive officer of FCS, the nation’s largest independent hematology/oncology group. “Our center is also centrally situated for easy access throughout the community.”
Located at 3402 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. near the Tampa Buccaneers Stadium, the 35,990-square-foot Tampa Cancer Center offers a "one-stop" approach to patient care that includes medical oncology (chemotherapy and other infusions), radiation oncology with advanced technology, and radiology services for identifying and diagnosing tumors. Patients also have the option to take part in clinical trials of new medications and therapies.
"This new facility will increase our ability to offer unique, state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary oncology treatments that deliver new and personalized cancer therapies, providing renewed hope to an even greater number of cancer patients,” said Julio Lautersztain, MD, who practices in Tampa and serves on the FCS Executive Board of Directors. “This approach, in conjunction with our cutting-edge clinical trials program, allows us to bring to our patients the most up-to-date cancer treatments available.”
In recent years, FCS has grown steadily in the Tampa Bay region, adding new oncology practices and increasing its patient volume to nearly 30,000 patients annually, according to William Harwin, MD, president and managing partner. “We offer world-class medicine and hometown care,” Harwin said. “Our mission is to treat anyone with oncology or hematology diagnoses. Our doors are open to everyone, regardless of financial status or insurance.”
The two-story Tampa Cancer Center was developed and built by Optimal Outcomes, LLC, a St. Petersburg-based healthcare facilities firm that utilizes evidence-based design (EBD) to improve the delivery of care, enhance patient experiences and reduce stress. “We know that the design and construction of healthcare facilities can have a positive impact on cancer patients,” said Patrick Marston, principal. “Through the years, we have learned a great deal about creating a healthy setting that is conducive to wellness, and Tampa Cancer Center represents the latest step in that evolving process.”
Marston noted that a warm color scheme, living plants and the soothing sounds of running water are among the more visible aspects of this design philosophy. “In partnership with FCS, we also took a close look at the internal layout, as well as the parking areas, technology requirements and many other factors, to create an efficient and effective setting for the delivery of cancer care.”
Other examples of that evidence-based design process at Tampa Cancer Center include:
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A common area for physicians to work together and consult easily on cases, as opposed to only having individual offices.
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Large examination rooms that can accommodate one or two family members along with the patient. That makes it easier for a family member to provide emotional support and to listen to the doctor during the exam.
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Fully integrated electronic medical records. This allows FCS physicians, consulting physicians, and patients to access health records from any computer, 24/7.
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Natural materials like stone, granite and bamboo throughout the facility.
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Soft, soothing natural colors on walls and ceilings.
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A garden area with a water feature where patients and family members can walk or relax is planned for the future.
Summing up the new impact of the Tampa Cancer Center, Prechtl said, “This beautiful new facility is a major step forward in advancing our mission. We look forward to continuing to provide the finest in oncology care to the Tampa Bay community.”
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About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute:
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) is the largest independent oncology/hematology practice in the United States. With over 150 physicians, 90 nurse practitioners and more than 60 clinical sites in our network, we are committed to providing world-class cancer care in community-based settings close to home. Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, FCS offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida.
Our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report. Trained in such prestigious medical schools and research institutes as Duke, Stanford, Harvard, Emory, M.D. Anderson, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering, the physicians of Florida Cancer Specialists provide leadership and consultation in the state's leading hospitals.
Established in 1984, FCS serves patients on the Gulf Coast from Naples to the greater Tampa Bay area, north as far as Tallahassee, in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida communities, and on the East Coast in Palm Beach County.
At Florida Cancer Specialists, our primary purpose – and our passion – is to provide the most advanced cancer treatment, using cutting-edge technologies, in a setting where patients can be close to home and surrounded by family and friends.
