ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL RECOMMENDED FOR NEW CANCER CARE CENTER FUNDING

Bond Program committee recommends state funding of up to $1.3 million for the construction of the new Regional Cancer Care Center

Berlin, Md. – Atlantic General Hospital received notice from the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) that a statewide committee has recommended that the Eastern Shore hospital's new Regional Cancer Care Center receive up to $1.3 million in state funding during the 2017 legislative session.

The MHA Bond Program, administered by a committee of hospital trustees and hospital executives from across the state, recommends targeted hospital project funding through the State's capital budget process.

The new 18,000-square-foot Regional Cancer Care Center, which is to be built on hospital-owned property at the corner of Rt. 113 and Old Ocean City Boulevard (Rt. 346) in Berlin, Md., will provide one centrally-located, convenient facility for the care and treatment of individuals with cancer and blood disorders.

In addition to existing medical oncology and chemotherapy infusion services and integrative therapies, the new center will include radiation oncology; PET imaging; laboratory services; community education and support facilities; and telemedicine technology that will allow patients and their physicians to consult with other cancer care experts, preventing unnecessary travel for consultation and follow up care for patients who may require more intensive cancer care services.

Construction is due to begin in July 2017, with completion in early 2018.

More than $18 million was requested by healthcare organizations throughout the state this year. The funding amount for the new Regional Cancer Care Center will depend upon the total amount approved for state hospital bond projects, during the next legislative session. The session begins January 11, 2017.

"While the Bond Committee's recommendation to support the Regional Cancer Care Center is not a guarantee of funding, we are optimistic," said Michael Franklin, president and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital. "Their support demonstrates the value in what we're doing to bring together the current resources in our community to better serve Worcester County and the surrounding communities."

About Atlantic General Hospital

Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) counties since May 1993. Built through the commitment and generosity of a dedicated community, Atlantic General's main facility in Berlin, Md., combines the warmth of personalized attention with the reassurance of medical expertise and advanced technology. The not-for-profit hospital provides quality specialty care in oncology, medical and surgical weight loss, orthopedics, and women's diagnostics among other services. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 40 primary care providers and specialists, cares for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org.