OMAHA – Nebraska Medicine is making plans to expand cancer services to Kearney with the construction of a new facility. A request for proposal (RFP) has been released to solicit input on the project.
The center would be focused on providing additional cancer services to the communities of central Nebraska.
“We were thrilled to join forces with Heartland Hematology and Oncology in Kearney late last year,” said Cory Shaw, executive vice president-chief operating officer for Nebraska Medicine. “This is an incredibly busy practice that is providing life-saving care to the people of central Nebraska. The current facility is at its maximum capacity, while the demand for their expert care continues to grow.”
If approved, the center would offer a range of cancer services, including medical oncology, hematology, infusion, radiation oncology, surgical oncology consults, and laboratory and procedural services.
The proposed site is University Village, a 104-acre, mixed-use development that is a partnership with the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Located on the west edge of the UNK campus, it combines educational, residential, recreational and commercial opportunities in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. The cancer center will be the sixth project at University Village, which already has $96.2 million of building construction finished or underway.
“University Village is excited to collaborate and partner with Nebraska Medicine on this project,” said Michael Christen, executive director of University Village. “This will complement and enhance the UNMC/UNK education partnership already in place and add great value to Kearney and the region with access to state-of-the-art, internationally recognized health care services.”
Once the RFP process is complete, leaders will discuss with the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors whether to officially pursue this project. A decision could come by the end of the calendar year, with a timetable and construction plan to follow.
“We know cancer patients in this part of the state are often forced to travel long distances to get the care they need,” said Shaw. “A center like this would expand our cancer network and expertise while providing specialized care close to home.”
The proposed location of the new facility is near the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Health Science Education Complex and new UNMC Rural Health Education Building planned at UNK.
“The footprint and value of Nebraska Medicine on the University Village site continues to add great momentum and excitement, but also a level of diversity, to the offerings of this unique development,” Christen said.
