The WellSpan Adams Health Center, currently under construction at Routes 15 and 30 near Gettysburg, will feature radiology, radiation oncology, medical oncology and support services. Its state-of-the-art equipment will match that which is available in York County.

WellSpan's goal is to create a seamless system of cancer care which allows people to access the best cancer care available without leaving their area. 

And, if they have to receive care at more than one WellSpan facility, it can be accomplished effortlessly.

"Our challenge is to find the best ways to share our knowledge and expertise to benefit the more than 500,000 people WellSpan serves in York and Adams counties and northern Maryland," said Ronald Hempling, M.D., medical director, WellSpan Health Oncology Service Line. 

"Bridges are being built and strengthened, and that's gratifying.  We're making significant progress."

WellSpan providers in York and Gettysburg have shared information about cancer patients through weekly video conferences for the past several years. 

According to Hempling, the video conferences provide a forum for providers to challenge each other to arrive at the best interdisciplinary solution in complex cases.  The conferences raise the level of discourse and care.  After discussion, evidence-based medicine is used to develop a treatment plan.

The opening of the WellSpan Adams Health Center this winter signals another major step in creating a seamless system of cancer care. 

The center will feature radiology, radiation oncology, medical oncology and support services.  Its state-of-the-art equipment will match that which is available in York County. 

Cancer treatment protocols and procedures will be consistent throughout WellSpan.

"Regardless of where patients are treated, they shouldn't see a difference," stressed Hempling.

The electronic health record (EHR) is another major enhancement to sharing information and expertise in a speedy manner. 

WellSpan's quest for a seamless system of cancer care is ongoing.  It is developing a plan to deal with future issues related to cancer care.  Hempling said access to cancer care is expected to be a serious community issue. 

Studies indicate there will be a national shortage of 1,900 to 4,000 medical oncologists by 2020.  And by 2017, the number of oncology-based surgical procedures will increase by 90,000.

"The community's challenge will be how to attract highly trained providers to this area, and how to retain them," he said.