Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Opens New Comprehensive Cancer Center with Ceremonial Bell Ringing Bringing Cancer Care Close to Home for Residents of Northern Utah

Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital is bringing cancer care close to home for residents of Northern Utah with a new state-of-the-art, comprehensive, and personalized cancer center.

Intermountain Cancer Center — McKay-Dee Hospital is located on the first floor of Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden for easy access for cancer patients.

It has increased its infusion bays for patient comfort from eight to 12 and chemotherapy infusion bays from 16 to 24 and brings several teams together for more collaborative patient care. Additionally, a new linear accelerator has been added and a compounding pharmacy is now adjacent to the infusion bays for easier access and faster treatment.

This is the largest renovation project Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital has undergone since its opening in 2002.

“The cancer center is designed to empower its patients and bring a feeling of home and hope no matter their treatment setting,” said Judy Williamson, president of Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital. “We hope it will be a home where friends can strengthen and support one another during their cancer journey and bring people together in a fight to overcome cancer.”

With a focus on personalized care at the cancer center, a team of oncologists, surgeons, and support staff all collaborate closely together to develop individualized and unique treatment plans for cancer patients with the goal of providing the best cancer care possible.

A group of Intermountain Health cancer caregivers, clinical leaders, and patients helped officially open the cancer center today with a ceremonial bell ringing.

The bell ringing signifies a triumphant celebration of patient accomplishment; sometimes it's persevering through uncertainty, conquering fear, enduring hardship, adversity and hanging on to hope.

“As part of Intermountain Health’s comprehensive network of cancer services, this new cancer center will help a lot of people here in Ogden and Northern Utah,” said Eric D. Johnson, MD, medical oncologist for Intermountain Health. “This facility stands as a testament to our commitment to providing convenient cancer care close to home.”

Colon cancer patient Gaylene Greener, 65, from Corrine, says the new center and enhanced services took her breath away.

“When you come every week you want it to feel homey and look beautiful, not so chemical,” said Greener. “The new space has artwork, comfortable chairs, social spaces, and spaces for privacy, as well as the doctors nearby.”

Greener says it’s a healing place where she feels loved and cared for and not a burden, she calls it a home away from home. 

For cancer patient, Jennifer N., 43, of Lander, Wyo., she says when the construction walls came down on the one-year anniversary of her breast cancer diagnosis, she stood there for a long time just taking in the beauty and art.

“These are hallowed halls,” said Jennifer. “I may live 300 miles away, but this is where I want to be treated.”

Meticulous design considerations were made by TSA Architects to ensure that the building itself contributed to the healing process.

From quiet flooring and treatment areas that offer views of nature to private patient entrances, every detail was crafted to create a soothing and supportive atmosphere for those going through the most difficult times of their lives.

The new cancer center was made possible by generous donations, including over $4 million in gifts and donations to the Intermountain Foundation to help fund the new center.

The cancer center’s treatments and services include: cancer immunotherapy, cancer surgery, chemotherapy, biotherapy, radiation therapy, genetic counseling, genomic tumor sequencing, oncology social work, palliative and symptom management, nutrition services, speech therapy, fitness training, and functional physical training.

For more information on the Intermountain Cancer Center — McKay-Dee Hospital, go here.

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