David Wheeler watched the Braselton Cancer Center transform into a reality right in front of his eyes. David, who is being treated by Longstreet Clinic and Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) for Stage 3 lung cancer, began his cancer treatments in Medical Plaza 1 while the center was under construction, and he continued his treatment in the new Braselton Cancer Center after it opened earlier this year.
“No one really wants to have cancer and need chemotherapy or radiation treatments,” says David, “but the Braselton Cancer Center is truly the best place to get it.”
The new collaborative space puts the needs of cancer patients front and center by providing a more cohesive environment with access to both medical oncology/hematology and radiation oncology services within steps of each other.
“We know how challenging it can be to navigate cancer care,” says Kevin Matson, vice president of Cancer Services for Northeast Georgia Health System. “Our shared goal was to create the best possible experience for our cancer patients. From the convenience of a dedicated entrance to the close proximity of services and providers, everything has been designed with patient comfort and healing in mind.”
While patients could previously visit both Longstreet Clinic’s Medical Oncology and Hematology and NGPG’s Radiation Oncology in Braselton, they had to travel to multiple places. Now there are less miles to drive and fewer steps to take. Plus, Longstreet Clinic more than doubled its previous space, adding a larger waiting area and more exam rooms for its patients.
“It’s so convenient to have the new entrance and closer parking so I can get in and out quickly,” David said. “Having both treatments in the same building means less back and forth between offices, and I really like having my own private space with a TV to enjoy while I’m receiving my chemotherapy treatments.”
Through the expertise of 12 medical oncology providers, Longstreet Clinic provides high-quality, compassionate medical oncology and hematology care.
“As the Braselton area continues to grow, this larger space for our patients and providers became crucial,” says Mimi Collins, Longstreet Clinic’s CEO. “The unified space means less logistics for patients to worry about, so they can focus on their health.”
NGMC’s Cancer Services program
The Longstreet Clinic oncologists partner with NGPG’s team of seven radiation oncologists, who provide care at three locations across the northeast Georgia area. NGPG plans to add a second linear accelerator to its Braselton space in the future to help meet the growing demands of its patient base.
Longstreet Clinic and NGPG are integral parts of NGMC’s Cancer Services program, which provides care for almost 3,000 new cancer patients each year. NGMC is also a network affiliate of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, which means our cancer patients have access to even more national clinical trials, research and expertise. Read about one patient’s experience with NGMC and Winship Cancer Institute here.