SAFFORD — On Monday, patients will get a chance to see the newly remodeled Oncology building at Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center.
A Graham County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting and tours for area dignitaries debuted the newly designed building Thursday.
Jim Palmer, with the hospital’s board of directors, said the improvements were based on, “What does our community need? That’s at the forefront of our thoughts.”
The facility, which was originally dedicated in 2006, was expanded to four patient rooms and eight chairs in the infusion center. Plus space was created for visiting consultants, which can be converted into more rooms for oncology patients if needed.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Dr. Stephen Iacoboni, who specializes in oncology, said “You get better care here.”
“I want my patients to understand that I’m doing by best for them, that we are partners, and I will do everything I can to make their lives better,” he said.
Iacoboni joined MGRMC to head the Oncology Department about four months ago, following the abrupt cancellation of services by Arizona Blood and Cancer of Tucson last June.
Dr. Bart Carter, CEO of MGRMC, said the hospital is able to do upgrades like the remodeled Oncology Center and the new Pharmacy under construction because the hospital is a nonprofit organization. He said the hospital has brought in 16 different medical specialties with providers, and currently has 750 employees.
“There will be others of these types of (ribbon-cutting) events,” Carter said, adding that he will block any attempts by for-profit companies to purchase the hospital.
“Over my dead body,” Carter said. “I will fight them to the end.”
