Cancer

Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion Celebrates First Five Years

Spectrum Health Notes Growth, Milestones

Spectrum Health’s Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion will celebrate its five-year anniversary on Sunday, June 30.

“This has been a great five years,” said Richard Funnell, senior director, business development, oncology program. “The exceptional people, programs and services located in this beautiful building are helping our patients live with and, hopefully, conquer cancer.”

Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion was created to serve cancer patients and families by bringing together expert cancer teams and technology into one location. While cancer care is provided throughout the system, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion serves as the comprehensive cancer center, impacting many of the more than 3,000 new cases diagnosed each year at Spectrum Health.

Since Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion opened on June 30, 2008:

  • 16 specialty physician practices or clinics are now located in the building
  • 1,264 patients have enrolled in clinical trials through the Grand Rapids Clinical Oncology Program
  • 12,897 patients have been seen at Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan
  • 72,912 mammograms and 56,683 other diagnostic procedures have been performed at the Betty Ford Diagnostic Breast Center
  • 10,648 patient cases have been reviewed by multidisciplinary clinical teams, including eight disease-specific weekly tumor boards and  four multispecialty team clinics
  • 25,040 square feet of shelled space available in 2008; only 5,179 square feet remain today—and will be filled by summer 2014

Funnell says that the biggest milestones in the past five years include the establishment of an adult blood and marrow transplant program, the growth and successes of the state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL) including research in areas such as multiple myeloma, and adding experts in gynecological oncology and urological oncology.

The six-story, 284,000-square-foot building was designed by URS Corporation with input from the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion Patient, Family and Community Advisory Committee. This committee, which includes cancer survivors and family members, was formed during the building design process to provide a first-hand perspective on how to best support patients, from cancer care treatment to facility needs and comfort. Christman Company served as general contractor for the pavilion.

A gift from Rich and Helen DeVos in 2002 enabled Spectrum Health to purchase the property for the pavilion. It was named by Spectrum Health supporters Fred and Lena Meijer, who made the lead gift for the facility, to honor the service and community stewardship of three friends: Harvey E. Lemmen, and Earl and Donnalee Holton.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of nine hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 130 ambulatory and service sites; 975 advanced practice providers and employed physicians including members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group and West Michigan Heart physician groups; and Priority Health, a health plan. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 19,200 employees. The organization provided $204 million in community benefit during its 2012 fiscal year.