Saint Francis Medical Center announced plans to build a Heart Hospital and Cancer Institute, where advanced treatments and technology will be available under one convenient roof. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Missouri, according to the United Health Foundation. Cancer touches the lives of three out of every four Missouri families. Because of these staggering statistics, Saint Francis Medical Center is taking health care to a higher level by creating a facility that will assist area physicians in providing total care for patients in the region.

"This state-of-the-art facility will be connected to the Medical Center and house the tools and technology needed to fight heart disease and cancer – the two most deadly diseases today," explains Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, President and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare System. "Area physicians were instrumental in the design and flow of this facility so that it truly benefits patients and their families as they continue to rely on Saint Francis for their healthcare needs."

Bjelich continues, "The combined Heart Hospital and Cancer Institute's design calls for a 4-story, 180,000 square foot facility with total cost of $84 million. This more than doubles any community construction investment made in Cape Girardeau in the last 5 years, resulting in more jobs, more resources, more efficiency and more convenience – more for you, our patients."

Key features of the new facility include:
• Dedicated areas and staff for both heart and cancer patients
• Optimal work- and patient-flow design to benefit physicians, staff, patients and families
• Additional cardiac intensive care unit beds and cardiac and cancer acute care beds
• Dedicated recovery bays in the new Saint Francis Heart Hospital
• On-site pharmacy and diagnostics
• Centralized monitoring in the catheterization lab corridor
• Comprehensive oncology services co-located in a dedicated space for patient convenience and coordinated care
• Comprehensive electrophysiology (EP) program with a dedicated EP lab
• Convenient patient parking and entry
• Flexible chemotherapy/infusion center with additional treatment alcoves
• Located adjacent to Surgical Services and within steps of the Gene E. Huckstep Emergency Center/Level III Trauma Center
• Private patient rooms
• Patient continuum of care in one centralized location with same caregivers
• Family-centered design with an emphasis on both convenience and comfort
• Healing, calming environment
• Leading-edge technology and advanced resources

"The Heart Hospital at Saint Francis is bricks and mortar, but it's more than that," indicates Edward M. Bender, MD, FACS, cardiothoracic surgeon on staff at Saint Francis. "It is a demonstration of the commitment to the treatment of the number one killer of Americans today." Along with added resources, such as more cardiac acute care beds, the new Heart Hospital will feature private rooms and an in-house pharmacy. Its family-friendly design will allow patient's family members and loved ones to remain close at all times. With its location directly connected to the Medical Center, it will be just steps from the Gene E. Huckstep Emergency Center/Level III Trauma Center to aid in quick attention to patients experiencing heart attack-related symptoms.

The new Cancer Institute will allow patients to quickly access the existing expertise of medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons and other specialists uniquely trained in cancer care. The concept for the facility addresses not only direct medical care, but also the spiritual and emotional needs of cancer patients. "What excites me most about the new Cancer Institute is the spirit behind its design and purpose to excel and raise the bar for cancer care in this region," says Prem Sobti, MD, medical oncologist/hematologist on staff at Saint Francis.

"We are often asked why we continue to grow and expand our services," says Bjelich. "There is a lot more to it than most people think. We know that the more technology physicians have, the better they can help patients fight heart disease and cancer and enjoy continued good health." Bjelich continues, "The more specialists in the region who are dedicated to heart and cancer care, the better the outcome for patients. The more resources we have, the better our ability to treat patients – and more resources saves lives."

For more information on the combined Heart Hospital and Cancer Institute at Saint Francis Medical Center, visit www.MoreForYou.md or call Marketing and Public Relations at 573-331-5218.