SMH Breaks Ground on New Cancer Tower

Sarasota Memorial celebrated another construction milestone on April 16: the groundbreaking of the hospital’s new oncology tower – and heart of SMH’s evolving Cancer Institute. When complete in 2021, the tower will be part of an expanding center of excellence designed to bring together the best doctors, the latest research, the most advanced treatments and a lifetime of support and follow up care for cancer patients. SMH staff, physicians and cancer patients/survivors gathered on the site for a ceremonial groundbreaking and to learn more about the project and SMH’s pledge to transform the way cancer care is delivered in this community.  

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in every 3 men and 1 in every 3 women will develop cancer in their lifetime. With our large retiree population, Florida tops the nation in cancer cases, second only to California. 

The good news is that many cancers are being detected at earlier, more treatable stages. That’s the impetus driving Sarasota Memorial’s evolving Cancer Institute. 

In January, SMH broke ground on the first phase of the Cancer Institute, beginning construction of a new radiation oncology center on Sarasota Memorial’s University Parkway campus. That outpatient center, slated to open in 2020, will offer the most advanced radiation therapy in the community, with two linear accelerators to target and treat patients’ individual cancer. 

On April 16, SMH  broke ground on the second phase, its new oncology and surgical tower. When it opens in 2021, the 8-story tower on SMH’s main campus will offer a healing, patient-centered place for cancer patients who need surgical intervention or an inpatient stay. The tower will have nine new operating rooms, including robotic surgery suites; two upper floors with 56 private suites dedicated for hospitalized cancer patients; and an array of navigation, counseling and support services. The tower will have its own entrance and reception area, but connect to the main hospital on multiple levels, ensuring critical 24/7-access to Sarasota Memorial’s comprehensive range of diagnostic, medical and emergency care services. 

SMH is investing $220 million in the first two phases of the Cancer Institute and is in preliminary planning for a third phase – a cancer pavilion to house a full array of outpatient services and care. For updates and more information, visit smh.com/cancerinstituteupdates.