Bonner General readies for cancer center addition

Bonner General Hospital is getting ready for the upcoming construction of the North Idaho Cancer Center, Sandpoint Clinic. This week a buzz of anticipation was in the air as offices were moved to make room for the new facility.

The NICCSC will greatly increase cancer services at Bonner General Hospital and unfortunately, many of us may need them. Based on statistics from the American Cancer Society, approximately 44 percent of Americans will develop some type of cancer sometime in their lives. The new clinic will save travel for over 70 percent of patients from Boundary and Bonner counties who drive to Kootenai Medical Center for treatment.

The NICCSC's on-staff oncologist, Dr. Thomas Leavitt is excited to offer the most advanced treatment to our area's cancer patients. "I feel very strongly that oncology patients deserve the care that is necessary for effective outcomes," said Dr. Leavitt. "Oncology is a specialty unto itself. It is imperative to keep up with the newer and better cancer treatments available that are dramatically improving the cure rate.

"Better chemotherapy drugs, targeted, cancer-specific treatment, and new monoclonal antibody therapy allow us to treat malignancies with less toxicity and far effective as well as specific interventions," he explains.

Dr. Leavitt is equally passionate about the partnership between Kootenai Medical Center and Bonner General Hospital. This collaboration provides better care for North Idaho cancer patients and their families. BGH and KMC's experienced, caring personnel, in conjunction with a modern oncology facility will create a comprehensive cancer program right here in Sandpoint.

Construction on the Cancer Center is slated to begin later this fall, with the plans to be operational by spring. The design is state-of-the-art, comprehensive and functional. The clinic, nearly 4,600 square feet, will feature eight chemotherapy suites, four exam rooms, and an on-site pharmacy.

The primary focus of the NICCSC is to facilitate patient care, providing an accessible location and easy transition from those currently traveling from the North Idaho Cancer Center located at Kootenai Medical Center. The Sandpoint clinic will combine advanced cancer treatments with the down-home care that BGH is known for.

"BGH is committed to providing quality patient care close to home," says Bonner General CEO Sheryl Rickard. "The addition of the cancer center right here on the BGH campus makes the most sense for our patients and their families."

Quality patient care means more than just treating peoples' illnesses, it also means addressing the needs of our community. With cancer rates in our area increasing slowly but steadily every year, the time has come to address this growing problem. Local people are comfortable at BGH, having come here for years for everything from having their children to getting stitches in the emergency room. What better place to get treatment during what may be one of the scariest times in their lives.

And who better to have on their side than Dr. Leavitt. The impression he leaves is of one who is deeply dedicated to the treatment and eradication of cancer.

"I really hate this disease," he said. "It is pleasant to see very good outcomes from diseases previously considered fatal." But until he does, he'll do everything in his power to treat it effectively and improve the quality of life for our area's cancer patients.

The staff at Bonner General Hospital is proud to be able to offer cancer treatment locally. We're also proud of the partnership with Kootenai Medical. The list of services at BGH is constantly growing and evolving to meet the health care needs of our community, and combating cancer on a local and immediate level has just moved to the top of our list.