Completing a $1.7 million addition to the Radiation Oncology building at 188 South Main Street will enable new, state of the art technology to be installed later this year.

The Medical Center will purchase a new CT Simulator, one of the latest advances in the field of radiation oncology and a new Linear Accelerator, a machine used for external beam radiation treatments for cancer patients. The total cost of the machines is approximately $1,877,070.

"This investment is another example of the commitment of Danville Regional to meet the needs of residents of the area," said Art Doloresco, CEO, at a ceremony this morning marking the start of construction.

The Medical Center will have spent approximately $25 million by the end of next year on improvements to patient services. Already, the 5th floor of the Landon Wyatt, Jr. Tower has been completed and a new imaging system installed.

The CT Simulator will also add convenience for patients. Currently, they must walk from the Radiation Oncology building to the hospital, and then return to the Radiation Oncology building since there was no CT in that building.

The new Linear Accelerator has additional capacity to treat patients who need higher doses of radiation. "This new machine will increase options for our patients and, as a result, some will not have to travel out of town for their cancer treatment," said Doloresco. "We want to give our patients every advantage in the fight against cancer."

Area contractors have been selected to perform most of the construction, providing a boost to the economy of the Danville area.

Blair Concrete, Jarrett Wielding, Marshall Construction, Piedmont Glass, Precision Walls, J. W. Squire Co., Wise-Hundley Electrical and Riverview Plumbing and Heating of Gretna are among contractors. The general contractor is Skanska, a large company that specializes in hospital construction. Skanska was the contractor on the 5th floor build-out that was recently completed.

Danville Regional provides a full range of cancer services, including chemotherapy and surgery, in addition to radiation therapy.