Erlanger reveals plans to build Breast Center

Monday, February 24, 2014

Erlanger Health System hopes to open a $1 million "comprehensive breast center" at its Erlanger East campus off Gunbarrel Road within the next year.

The center will encompass breast cancer screening, genetic testing, early detection and treatment all in one location to provide "seamless care," proponents of the new center told Erlanger's Budget and Finance Committee, which approved the initial proposal Monday.

"When I've spoken with physicians in the past, they've felt Erlanger has never had a comprehensive breast cancer center," said Theresa Radeker, administrator of Erlanger East. "A lot of times they'll send their patients to other places for that comprehensive care."

In a proposal to the board, Erlanger officials said that the hospital already houses the components of a comprehensive breast center, but that "these services are disjointed and located in several different locations."

The proposed project would remodel existing space at Erlanger East, and will bring a second "comprehensive" breast care center to Chattanooga - competing with Memorial Health Care System's MaryEllen Locher Breast Center.

If the full Erlanger board approves the measure at its meeting Thursday, the hospital will form an advisory board to define its course of action. Radeker said estimated construction time is three months.

For more information, read Tuesday's Times Free Press.