(STURGIS) – The Oncology Treatment Center at Sturgis Hospital will remain open.

That announcement was made Monday afternoon.

Oncology services had been among those expected to close in Sturgis as part of a restructuring announced in late 2018. Hospital President and CEO Rob LaBarge says the opportunity to keep this service open locally is another example of our ability to form effective partnerships throughout the region.

The continuation, including the retention of local nursing and support staff, is made possible through a cooperative partnership with Ascension Borgess Hospital. Ascension Borgess will do the billing and provide other administrative support for the program.

In addition to making infusion and other treatment services available locally, the partnership will enable the continuation of oncology cooperation with other hospitals and programs, including the West Michigan Cancer Center in Kalamazoo. Dr. Samuel Payne will oversee the medical aspects of the program.

The effective date of the programmatic changeover is January 15. Patients with questions should call their provider or call The Oncology Clinic at Sturgis Hospital, 269-625-9132.