Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Radiation Oncology Clinic in Pottsville Reopens after Flooding

Geisinger Radiation Oncology Pottsville clinic has re-opened following months of renovations and technology upgrades due to damage from flooding throughout Schuylkill County in summer 2018.
“It has been a long nine months, but we are thrilled to bring our radiation oncology services back to our community,” said Rajiv Panikkar, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Cancer Institute. “Our approach at Geisinger, whenever possible, is to provide high quality care close to home, so people can focus on their health, rather than driving.”

The radiation oncology clinic at 100 One Norwegian Way, Pottsville, has restored its services and upgraded its technology. The addition of a Halcyon linear accelerator allows physicians to better pinpoint radiation to the exact location of the tumor while sparing uninvolved surrounding normal tissue. The system is patent-focused and automates, streamlines and simplifies every aspect of the treatment.

“This equipment enhances the care we provide to our patients in Pottsville,” said Gregory Treharne, M.D., Geisinger radiation oncologist. “We are proud to be able to re-open – stronger and better armed to help our patients fight cancer with more accurate treatment options than ever before Schuylkill County. This gives us one more tool in the fight against cancer.”

The radiation oncology clinic is the second Geisinger cancer clinic to undergo recent renovations, following the re-opening of Geisinger Hematology/Oncology clinic at the same address in September. It, too, was damaged by flooding more than nine months ago.

“I want to thank our patients who trusted us to continue treatment with Geisinger during this time,” said Kerri Michalik, vice president of Geisinger’s Cancer Institute. “I also want to recognize our caring employees who brought great attitudes during this time. Their loyalty is second to none and we couldn’t be more grateful to them.”

In addition to cancer services, Geisinger offers primary care and other specialty services in Schuylkill County. Geisinger also is partnering with St. Luke’s University Health Network to build an acute care hospital near Orwigsburg. The three-story, 80-bed hospital is set to be complete fall 2019.

(Photos submitted by Geisinger)

PHOTO:  Dr. Anand Mahadevan, director of Geisinger Radiation Oncology; Dr. Gregory Treharne, Geisinger Pottsville Cancer Services radiation oncologist; Lisa Keifer, Geisinger associate vice president of radiation oncology; Kerri Michalik, vice president of Geisinger’s Cancer Institute; and Dr. Rajiv Panikkar, Geisinger Cancer Institute chairman, cut the ribbon at the newly renovated radiation oncology clinic at 100 One Norwegian Way in Pottsville.