Northeast Regional Medical Center Seeks Approval to Deliver Radiation Oncology Cancer Care Services in Kirksville
6/17/2024
Certificate of Need Application to Replace Linear Accelerator Submitted for State Approval
(KIRKSVILLE, MO) June 17, 2024 – Northeast Regional Medical Center has filed an application for a Certificate of Need (CON) to bring a new linear accelerator to its campus. Linear accelerators use high energy x-rays or electrons that conform to a tumor’s shape to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. Radiation oncology, using a linear accelerator, is an extremely effective treatment that can be used to treat many types of cancer.
“Cancer care has been offered on the Northeast Regional Medical Center campus for the past 25 years and we are proud of our ability to support life-saving cancer treatments close to home for local residents,” said Patrick Avila, chief executive officer of Northeast Regional Medical Center. “With our CON application now filed, we have an opportunity to enhance cancer services on our campus.”
The Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee is scheduled to decide on the CON application during its August meeting.
Avila went on to say, “It is our desire to move forward with all of the approvals and preparations necessary to offer radiation oncology. We look forward to working with physicians and other partners in the community to deliver advanced treatments for cancer.”
A.T. Still University and Northeast Regional Medical Center are also working toward potential enhancements to the cancer program over time, including exploring opportunities for a new educational resource center, cancer screening events, navigation programs, connections to social services, and caregiver support programs.
While the likelihood of surviving cancer continues to increase, the number of new cancer cases in the U.S. is expected to surpass two million in 2024, and, increasingly, cancer is affecting younger people. Prevention, screening and early detection, diagnosis, and effective treatment are keys to further reducing cancer mortality.
“That’s our goal at Northeast Regional – we want to help our community minimize cancer risk, and when someone in our community is diagnosed with cancer, we want to stand ready to provide the services needed to fight and win the battle against cancer,” said Avila. “We are diligently working toward approval of our CON application in August.”
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