WVU Cancer Institute opens new facility at Summersville Regional Medical Center

SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. – The WVU Cancer Institute and WVU Medicine Summersville Regional Medical Center (SRMC) took a pivotal step November 10 to expand access to cancer care in the region by cutting the ribbon on the new WVU Cancer Institute facility at SRMC.

The project expands infusion and hematology/oncology services, allowing more patients with cancer to receive treatment in Summersville. The partnership with the WVU Cancer Institute also brings new opportunities for local patients to participate in clinical trials, advancing research and offering access to innovative treatments.

“The opening of this facility is critical to improving patient care for those diagnosed with cancer,” Leslie Lawson, M.B.A., F.A.C.H.E., SRMC president, said.

The facility will take a multidisciplinary approach to medical oncology care, including lab services, chemotherapy and other infusion services.

Patients will have access to nurse navigation, a telephone triage system for symptom management and prescription refills, cancer registry services, tumor boards and telemedicine appointments.

The center also includes a healing garden, specialty care waiting room, patient pharmacy and respiratory care department.

The addition of the Summersville location aligns with the WVU Cancer Institute’s mission to help West Virginians overcome unique challenges in cancer care by transforming patient outcomes through integrated patient care and treatment.

“Expanding access to cancer care is so important for our patients and our West Virginia communities,” Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, M.D., F.A.C.S., director and executive chair of the WVU Cancer Institute, said. “This Center allows us to address their unique needs while reducing some of the barriers they may face with a cancer diagnosis. Patients will receive innovative treatment and care right here in Nicholas County, then return home to focus on healing – surrounded by the people and familiarity that matter most.”

Stephen Guy, SRMC supply chain manager, is particularly grateful to have a cancer facility in the area. His wife, Brittany, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and the couple spoke about having treatment options in their backyard.

“The importance of having an infusion center in this community is unparalleled. As a leader at this hospital, I have seen many changes throughout the years, and many projects and new services offered. However, this one is extremely special to me because I have seen firsthand the impact of how a small community hospital can have a giant impact on the loved ones we hold closest,” Stephen Guy said. “I hope this infusion center is a building block for greater things and that we can continue to grow the excellent care given here at Summersville.”

Brittany Guy shared how this new facility will reduce some of the burden she and her family face as she continues her care and treatment.

“Just last month, Stephen and I spent 13 hours away from our three children for a single chemo treatment,” Brittany said. “When you’re fighting cancer, those hours matter. Having a Cancer Center close to home means more than convenience. It means less time on the road, more time with our families, and more time living the lives we’re fighting so hard to hold onto.”

“Brittany’s story is an example of why we’ve built our Health System’s hub-and-spoke model – to bring care to our patients where they need it most. A cancer diagnosis is difficult by itself; access to care shouldn’t add to the stress patients and families already feel,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., WVU Health System president and CEO, said. “We’re grateful to Brittany and Stephen for sharing their story and to all those who entrust us with their cancer care.”

For more information on the WVU Cancer Institute, visit WVUCancer.org.

To learn more about WVU Medicine Summersville Regional Medical Center, visit WVUMedicine.org/Summersville.