Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) has embarked on a bold approach to rapidly restore community-based radiotherapy cancer treatment in the Ballard community utilizing state-of-the-art building technology that is swift and green.
The patented factory fabricated radiotherapy treatment vault and clinic by RAD Technology Medical Systems (RAD) will enable SCI to cut traditional building schedules in half while constructing a facility in conformance with the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Once completed, the Swedish Cancer Institute Radiation Treatment Center on the Ballard campus will be home to the first TomoTherapy® Hi-Art radiation treatment system in the Seattle metropolitan area.
"Hospital facilities are perhaps one of the most difficult types of structures to make compliant with LEED criteria," said RAD President John J Lefkus III. "Maintaining health and equipment environmental standards can be in conflict with renewable and lean strategies. RAD has unique construction techniques that benefit projects thru the extensive use of renewable construction materials and employs energy efficient mechanical systems."
The nearly 4,000 square-foot facility will combine a specialized therapy room or 'vault' to house the TomoTherapy treatment system along with patient and clinical staff accommodations.
"With assistance from RAD, we found a way to blend our need for leading-edge technology, accelerated project delivery and our commitment to the community and environment in one package," said Jim Yates, Administrative Director of the Swedish Cancer Institute.
The new facility at Swedish/Ballard is currently erected with most work expected complete by the end of the year and is scheduled to treat its first patient at the end of January 2011.
Nanomedicine using gas bubbles offers hope for lung cancer treatment