Artist and cancer survivor Shelly Knupp revealed her artwork at GMH Cancer Center giving the gift of flowers to patients and families at the center in time for National Cancer Survivor Day on June 7.

Greene Memorial Hospital’s Ruth McMillan Cancer Center in Xenia receives a grant to update the interior.

For Greene County News

XENIA — A grant from Greene Medical Foundation will give Greene Memorial Hospital’s Ruth McMillan Cancer Center a more patient-friendly experience.

“The Foundation has been so generous in the past, giving us a grant two years ago for a facelift,” said Greene’s Director of Clinical Services, Mark Floro. “This gift of $90,000 will help take the next step to make the patient’s experience at Greene the best it can be.”

Floro explained that the Kettering Health Network Cancer Care facility is finalizing plans, looking to begin renovations this month.

“We want to enhance the treatment process, make it easier for the patient to get the health services they need. We want an atmosphere for patients that is relaxing and calm.”

The upgrades will provide a wider and more expansive entrance, making registration and waiting areas more accessible. There will be additional office space for physician and administrative offices. The modifications will include the enlargement of the lab and a patient resource room to be named after Dee Mendenhall, a long time Greene Memorial staff member who lost her battle with cancer in 2013. The new resource room will provide a variety of materials to help patients and families navigate the cancer care process.

“This is a true enhancement for our program,” Floro added.

Other renovations include office spaces for social workers, case managers and nutritionists to meet with and guide patients.

“It’s going to be beautiful,” said Floro. “Everyone is excited about this opportunity.”

Greene Memorial oncologist, Dr. Emily Vannorsdall, also looks forward to the upgrades to the center.

“We feel the upgrades will have a significant impact on our patients, their families, and our staff,” Dr. Vannorsdall said. “The patients whom we serve are always impressed with the focused attention and dedicated time we provide to them. Our staff works amazingly well together and is driven to provide the best care possible for all our patients. The changes planned will continue to amplify our ability to do so.”

Floro continued, “Most of the construction will start outside the current center to ensure the patient care process remains unaffected during the modifications.”

With a personal understanding of the cancer care process, Greene Medical Foundation Board Chairman, John Finlay, knows how important it is for the facility to provide the best experience during treatment.

“We are so pleased to be able to be part of making such wonderful improvements at Greene,” said Finlay. “The Foundation realizes the importance of being responsive to the needs of patients in Greene County, and we believe residents should not need to leave the county for quality care.”