By Emily Williams
Grandview Medical Center officials and community members celebrated the grand opening of the facility’s newest addition, the Grandview Cancer Center, on May 31.
Officially opened to patients this month, the two-story, free-standing facility includes 26,000 square feet devoted to oncology treatment and research.
Grandview CEO Drew Mason and cancer center Director Dr. Jennifer De Los Santos helped cut a ribbon and present what both believe is a big step, not only for the vision of Grandview, but the health of the surrounding community.
“Prior to our relocation to the 280 corridor, we had big dreams for Grandview,” Mason said. “We have been aware of the need for healthcare and access in this area for a long time. We take this responsibility to serve our market very seriously.”
Formerly Trinity Medical Center, Grandview moved from Montclair Road to its current location and state-of-the-art facility in fall 2015. Construction of the cancer center began in April 2017
Mason notes that Grandview Medical Center is located in one of the fastest-growing corridors and ZIP codes in Alabama. With that growth came the need for more accessible health care.
“Our goal was never to be just a community hospital,” he said. “We are recruiting physicians and developing programs and services that will position us to be a highly sophisticated medical center for not only Alabama, but the Southeast.”
The cancer center is one of the ways in which the facility not only better serves its geographic community, but also the healthcare community through cancer research and patient care, Mason said.
According to Mason, the design of the facility – conceived by Earl Swensson Associates and built by Brasfield and Gorrie – puts the needs of the patient first.
“We have designed a center focused on the patient,” he said. “The facility is free-standing, with surface parking, and combines all of the essential cancer center components under one roof. The clinical team is accessible, and the center is designed to facilitate connected care through the oncology care continuum.”
In terms of ground-breaking healthcare, Santos’ personal vision is to use Grandview’s modern and cutting-edge technological pieces, such as a linear accelerator, chemotherapy infusion bays and PET/CT technology, while also working toward a more personalized treatment process for each patient.
“In addition to advanced medical technologies, the comprehensive approach of the facility will include personalized treatment,” Santos said. “This personalized treatment will be based on the latest molecular diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in cancer care and will be implementing team-based approaches to care that include interdisciplinary clinics and research.”
Santos’ position as director was announced in May. She joins the Cancer Center from her previous position as medical director of The Kirklin Clinic on Acton Road. She is a nationally renowned radiation oncologist who specializes in breast cancer and has, for five years in a row, been named on the Best Doctors in America list.
“We have worked tirelessly to build the sophistication of our physician network, services and technology to enhance the footprint of our system for the future,” said Mason. “Grandview intends to provide for a broader set of patient needs to further enhance our brand in the community and region.”
