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Boone hospital to build new cancer center

The Boone Hospital Center will begin construction on its new cancer center this year. The center is named the Virginia and Norman Stewart Cancer Center after former MU basketball coach Norman Stewart and founder of the Coaches vs. Cancer organization.

Boone Hospital Center media relations director Jason Luecke says the partnership with Stewart brings many benefits. “By bringing them onto Boone Hospital Center’s team, what we hope to accomplish is…to encourage more people in Mid-Missouri to seek out the screenings that they need for cancer and also to spread the word about the different services that are available here,” says Luecke.

One of the new renovations will be an inpatient unit with private rooms and more space for patients and their families. It is expected to cost $7.2 million. Other improvements are more efficient screenings, better treatment for outpatients, and more effective community outreach programs. Boone Hospital Center Treasurer Bob Wagner says all of the improvements are necessary to help in the detection, treatment, and search for a cure.

Wagner says city contractors have started bidding and the highest bidder will be given a contract soon. The entire project will take about a year. The center is expected to open in 2014.