LincolnHealth was pleased to learn that its $4.5 million Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) grant application to expand oncology and infusion services on the Miles campus has been approved by Congress and signed into law. 

This funding will be used to renovate the third floor of the hospital to allow more patients to receive oncology and infusion treatments close to home. The CDS grant is extremely competitive and requires months of work behind the scenes to create a compelling submission,” said Cindy Wade, BSN, MHA, LincolnHealth’s president. “While it is a lengthy submission process, it is well worth the effort for our patients,” Wade said.  

The need for oncology and infusion services has grown significantly during the last three years. With the aging demographics of Lincoln County, “We recognize the need to provide more access to services closer to home,” Wade said, “Traveling long distances can be a hardship for elderly patients who live alone, as well as those who rely on friends and family to provide transportation during these series of appointments.” 

The expansion will allow patients to receive all infusion and oncology services in the same building. While there is no confirmed date for the project, Wade said preliminary work for the expansion is underway, with the hope of renovations beginning later this year. 

“I am so grateful for the support of our Congressional delegation and the great work of many people across LincolnHealth that helped prepare the application, including philanthropy, nurse leadership, the finance team and the providers,” Wade said. “Our oncology and infusion care teams are so excited about what the future holds for their patients.”