Some suggestions for complete cancer care

Thank you, Tim Charles and the Mercy Medical Center Board of Directors, for making the bold move to build the cancer center. I have been an oncology nurse in this community for over 30 years. I see the cancer center as a complement to Physicians' Clinic of Iowa's proposed medical mall. It enhances the quality of patient care in the surrounding community!

The quality of care of cancer patients in this community is outstanding. But I do have a concern that the oncology group that is a part of PCI has not opted, so far, to be included in the comprehensive cancer center that Mercy plans. What a loss to the community and the surrounding areas if they don't participate!

Up-to-date oncology care exists in our community. I applaud Mercy, that no street closings are needed, no tax incentives (public dollars) and it is patient-centered, not profit-centered.

I hope there would be in the medical district a motel or housing facility for patients who need long-term housing for their medical care. I also propose a community cancer fund to assist the uninsured or the underinsured to help cover expenses they can't meet.

Sue Humphrey RN, BSN

Cedar Rapids