Spectrum Health Dedicates Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion

Most Comprehensive Outpatient Cancer Center in West Michigan

Spectrum Health dedicated the new Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion today, opening the doors to the region’s widest, most advanced array of outpatient cancer services within a single, healing environment. According to the National Cancer Institute, 90 percent of cancer care is delivered on an outpatient basis.

“The Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion represents a new generation of cancer care,” said Richard C. Breon, President & CEO, Spectrum Health. “We have created an environment that is designed to expedite cancer treatment in a compassionate, healing atmosphere.”

When the six-story pavilion opens to patients on June 30, Spectrum Health’s outpatient cancer services will be available in one location along with its advanced technology laboratories, oncology research department, the Grand Rapids Clinical Oncology Program and physician offices for Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan and Michigan Medical, P.C.

Spectrum Health diagnoses and treats nearly 70 percent of all cancer patients in Kent County, and almost 40 percent of all new adult cancer inpatients in our 13-county service area. With the aging baby boom generation, this number is expected to increase significantly during the next 10 years. One of Spectrum Health’s goals is for this new facility to become a regional resource for cancer expertise.

“The Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion will serve as our ‘hub’ for cancer care,” said Mark Campbell, M.D., executive director, Spectrum Health Regional Cancer Network and corporate president, Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan. “This will help us strengthen many of the relationships we already have established throughout West Michigan. We want to support community hospitals in the region so patients can receive care close to home whenever possible. However, in some cases patients require the most advanced care, which will be available here at the pavilion.”

Spectrum Health has more than 150 cancer specialists and over 200 staff specially trained in oncology care.

“We have specialists who are truly experts-they have been practicing in a specific area of oncology for 20 plus years,” said Matthew Van Vranken, Executive Vice President, Spectrum Health System and President, Spectrum Health Grand Rapids. “The pavilion provides a venue for these experts to collaborate and share information for the benefit of our patients.”

The pavilion was designed to make patient visits as convenient and efficient as possible.

“By having all of the specialists, researchers and technology located in one facility, we can provide a seamless experience for our patients,” Van Vranken said.”Our multispecialty team of experts can come together in one space and develop a treatment plan in a matter of hours rather than days.”

A pathway under Michigan Street makes the services at the pavilion easily accessible to patients in the Lettinga Inpatient Cancer Unit in Butterworth Hospital and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

The welcoming, patient-centered design of the building reflects the input of 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.’For example, patients at the pavilion will wear robes, rather than hospital gowns. The group also provided input on food choices for the pavilion’s cafe.

The building incorporates soothing natural light as well as natural materials, such as stone and wood. The pavilion features a stone fireplace, a waterfall that cascades down several floors, a life garden and meditation space and many other patient-centered features. The cafe offers light meals and snacks, and a patient and family resource library provides access to online information, books and literature.

The Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion is also environmentally friendly. It is expected to be the first Spectrum Health building to earn LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council because of its ecologically sound design, construction and operation.

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. Harvey Lemmen worked for Meijer for over 38 years. Earl D. Holton retired from Meijer in 2004 after 52 years of service and Donnalee Holton has been a strong supporter of Spectrum Health and community organizations for many years.

The 284,000 square foot building was designed by URS Corporation. Christman Company served as general contractor for the pavilion. The project took more than two years to complete and cost approximately $92 million.

“The Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion has brought together all aspects of cancer care in an environment that is high tech with great medicine and therapies, yet is designed for providing personal care,” said Van Vranken. “It’s the strength you want for the greatest battle you may ever fight along with the compassion you need for the journey.”

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through its seven hospitals, more than 140 service sites and 560,000-member health plan, Priority Health.’ Spectrum Health’s 14,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care to those in medical need.’ The organization provided $98.6 million in community benefit during its 2007 fiscal year. Spectrum Health has earned nearly 70 national awards during the past 10 years.