Olean General Hospital Reopens Renovated Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center with $4.1 Million Upgrade and Varian TrueBeam LINAC
核心洞察
Olean General Hospital (搜索) celebrated the reopening of the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center following a $4.1 million renovation and equipment upgrade.
The center now features a state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam 4.1 (搜索) linear accelerator capable of sub-millimeter precision and advanced image guidance for targeted cancer treatment.
The renovation includes patient-centered enhancements such as private changing areas, updated lighting, and the "Robes for Comfort" initiative to improve the treatment experience.
OLEAN, NY — Olean General Hospital (搜索) (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, marked a significant milestone in regional cancer care on Tuesday, June 30, with the reopening of the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center. The event celebrated the completion of a $4.1 million renovation and equipment upgrade, anchored by the installation of a new Varian TrueBeam 4.1 (搜索) linear accelerator (LINAC) designed to deliver advanced radiation therapy with unprecedented precision.
The reopening drew community members, donors, caregivers, and supporters for guided tours of the transformed facility, offering a firsthand look at both the technological and patient-centered enhancements that define the center's next chapter.
Advanced Technology for Precision Cancer Treatment
At the heart of the renovation is the Varian TrueBeam 4.1 (搜索) LINAC, a system that significantly elevates the center's treatment capabilities. Roberta Truman, manager and lead radiation therapist at OGH, described the machine's capabilities during the event.
"This machine is equipped with advanced capabilities that allows our radiation team to target cancerous cells while minimizing radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues," Truman said. "The new linear accelerator can deliver higher doses at great speed, its precision is measured in increments of less than one millimeter, it has advanced image guidance techniques and has built patient safety features that optimize patient comfort."
The sub-millimeter precision and enhanced imaging capabilities represent a substantial advancement for a rural healthcare setting, where access to such technology has historically been limited.
Patient-Centered Design and Community Compassion
Beyond the technological upgrade, the renovation encompassed comprehensive facility improvements including new flooring, updated lighting, a renovated nurse's station, improved cabinetry, and private patient changing areas. Every design element was selected with the patient experience in mind.
A particularly meaningful highlight of the celebration was the recognition of "Robes for Comfort," an initiative created by former patient Eileen "Birdie" Skrobacz. Inspired by her own experience receiving radiation therapy at the center, the program provides soft robes for patients to wear during treatment, promoting comfort, privacy, and confidence during a vulnerable time.
"Robes for Comfort is such a beautiful example of what this center represents," Truman added. "It reflects the compassion that has always defined cancer care here and the way our community members come together to lift one another up."
Strengthening Rural Cancer Care Access
Since 2009, the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center has served as a vital resource for patients requiring radiation therapy without the burden of traveling far from home. Originally established as the first joint venture between OGH and Bradford Regional Medical Center (搜索) prior to forming Upper Allegheny Health System (搜索), the center was created specifically to provide regional access to high-quality radiation therapy.
Bradley J. Chapman, president of OGH, emphasized the importance of local access. "Today is about more than reopening a space. It is about reaffirming our commitment to the patients and families across our region who rely on access to high-quality cancer care close to home."
Chapman further highlighted the community-rooted nature of the care team: "We are fortunate to have a team of individuals who live here, work here and care immensely for the people in our community. They are not just healthcare professionals — they are your neighbors, friends, family members and trusted caregivers."
Philanthropy and Partnership as Foundations for the Future
The $4.1 million renovation was made possible through generous philanthropic support from the Olean community. Steve Jackson, president of the Olean General Hospital (搜索) Foundation, underscored the critical role of community investment in sustaining rural healthcare.
"Every philanthropic gift is an investment in the health of our community," Jackson said. "The future of rural healthcare will not be built by hospitals alone. It will be built through partnership, philanthropy and communities that know perfection is not the goal, progress is."
Earlier this year, cancer care services at OGH — including medical oncology and radiation oncology — joined Kaleida Health Cancer Care (搜索), the second-largest cancer care provider in Western New York. This partnership provides patients with access to a full continuum of oncology care, from preventive screenings to testing, treatment, and emergency and critical care if needed, strengthening the comprehensive cancer services available locally.
With the reopening, the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center is positioned to continue its mission of ensuring that anyone facing a cancer diagnosis has access to advanced treatment and compassionate care, close to home.