St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Cancer Center Redefines Patient-Centric Care

In December, the Pancreatic Cancer Cure Foundation (PCCF) visited St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus in Quakertown to get an update from the program, hear how PCCF’s donations have impacted the patient experience, and get a tour of the newly constructed cancer center.

 

In March of last year, St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus Cancer Center (St. Luke’s Cancer Center) opened its doors, ushering in a new era of all-in-one care with an unwavering focus on enhancing the patient experience. This state-of-the-art facility brings together a myriad of medical specialties under one roof, offering convenience and comfort to patients in need of specialized cancer care.

 

The center boasts a private entrance for patients and houses various medical specialties, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, gynecological oncology, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, thoracic surgery, and palliative care. This consolidated approach means that patients can access all their required specialists without the hassle of navigating multiple locations, streamlining their journey to recovery.

 

Featuring an infusion center with 16 chairs, including 12 with outside views of landscaping, the environment is designed to promote healing. A pollinating garden attracts natural bees, and hummingbird feeders create a soothing ambiance, providing an ideal setting for patients to receive care.

 

Innovative Radiation Oncology Onsite

A significant breakthrough for the community, the center introduced a radiation oncology department, eliminating the need for patients to travel to the greater Lehigh Valley area for these crucial services. The convenience of onsite treatment has been a game-changer, particularly for those requiring frequent sessions, ensuring families can stay close to home during challenging times.

 

Dennis Pfleiger, President of the St. Luke’s University Health Network Upper Bucks Campus noted, “If a patient has treatments 5 days a week and must drive an hour to get there, then this makes it difficult for families. Being able to keep it close to home makes a big difference.”

 

He added, “I had some family friends who have gone through treatment here and they said they felt hope. If that’s the emotion that patients feel, then we’ve been successful in what we were trying to create.”

 

Dedicated Obstetrics Floor and Growth Plans

The entire second floor of the facility is dedicated entirely to obstetrics, with over 700 cases in 2024 and the celebration of the 1,000th baby born in October 2023. The third floor of the building has plenty of room to grow more services.

 

Expanding Cancer Services for Community Needs

Responding to the growing demand, the St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus Cancer Center plans to introduce in-patient chemotherapy services. This expansion, along with the addition of brachytherapy, aligns with the commitment to offer comprehensive cancer care within the local community.

“The response has been overwhelming” reported Mary-Kate Cellmer, St. Luke’s University Health Network Vice President, Oncology, and Administrator for the Cancer Center.

 

Proximity Matters

Strategically located near routes 663, 309, and 476, the center’s accessibility has contributed to its success. Whether it’s the result of growing demographics or fulfilling an unmet need, the reputation of St. Luke’s for quality care has been a driving force in its positive trajectory.

 

Patient Testimonials: A Testament to Exceptional Care

St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus Cancer Center has not only achieved remarkable patient experience scores–among the top 10% in the country–but has also garnered heartfelt testimonials. Personalized care, compassion, and a genuine commitment to walking alongside patients on their journey have set this facility apart.

 

Dennis Pfleiger shared, “One of our oncology patients wrote a personal and moving letter to me to tell me about their experience. The patient relayed how scared they were and couldn’t get over how they didn’t feel rushed when they came in for treatment. They referenced the support of Trish, one of our nurse practitioners, who told the patient.. ‘you’re not going through this by yourself. We’re going to walk with you every step of the way.’”

 

Pfleiger added, “everybody expects that you’re going to have great quality everywhere you go. The difference, however, is whether they feel like a number or whether the team gets to know you and does not let you walk through the experience alone.”

 

Innovative Support Services: A Touch of Normalcy Amidst Treatment

The center goes beyond medical care, partnering with the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Unfortunately for patients in the Quakertown community, it’s a distance to travel there. Plans are underway to open a unique center offering image and recovery services, including wig fitting, prosthesis, and bra fittings. This “Center for Hope and Healing” will provide a supportive and nurturing environment for women undergoing cancer treatment.

 

Mary-Kate Cellmer elaborated, “We’re going to have opportunities for manicurists and makeup artists to work with these women who are undergoing cancer treatment. There’s nothing like this that exists in the entire network.”

 

Dennis Pfleiger added, “It’s another area where personal touch makes a difference to the person going through this, to help support them to feel as normal as possible, and to remove added stress.”

 

St. Luke’s Pancreatic Cancer Compassion Fund

The St. Luke’s University Health Network Pancreatic Cancer Compassion Fund established by the Pancreatic Cancer Cure Foundation in February 2019 has to-date assisted 41 patients with coverage for medical supplies, bills, and transportation totaling over $25,000.

 

“The funding in the compassion fund makes such a huge difference in the lives of patients,” said Pfleiger. “Reducing the financial burden for someone when they’re going through treatment lessens their stress and anxiety.”

 

Conclusion

As St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus Cancer Center celebrates its first anniversary, it stands as a beacon of excellence in cancer care, embodying a commitment to personalized, patient-centric services. The center’s expansion plans, inclusive support services, and innovative initiatives showcase a holistic approach to addressing the diverse needs of the community. The upcoming introduction of in-patient chemotherapy services and the collaboration with the Cancer Support Community highlight a dedication to comprehensive patient well-being. Furthermore, the profound impact of the St. Luke’s Pancreatic Cancer Compassion Fund underscores the center’s commitment to alleviating burdens beyond medical treatment. Looking forward, St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus Cancer Center remains steadfast in its mission to provide compassionate care, instilling hope and support for those navigating the challenges of cancer.

 

 

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St. Luke’s Upper Bucks New Wing Grand Opening Press Release: https://www.slhn.org/womens/blog/2023/new-wing-at-upper-bucks-campus-opens