In what is called a transformative moment in the provision of cancer treatment in the Cayman Islands, Health City Cayman Islands officially opened its radiation oncology centre in Camana Bay on 16 March.
The new building, which completes the first phase of Health City’s US$100 million, 70,000-square-foot medical campus, was named the Gene Thompson Radiotherapy Centre in honour of one of Health City’s founders, who passed away in February.
“This facility will dramatically transform the options of our people to regain health and wellness without suffering the disruption, cost and inconvenience of having to travel away from their homes and families to receive this lifesaving cancer treatment option," said Premier Wayne Panton, who praised Health City for helping to save the life of one of his close family members in the past at its East End campus. He said the radiotherapy centre in Camana Bay – which features the latest in medical technology – will help relieve the stress a cancer diagnosis has on patients and their families because they will now have an option that does not require them to travel abroad for radiation treatment.
Health City Clinical Director Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil said the new radiation oncology centre, which is equipped with the latest technology, will provide “effective, precise and less invasive cancer treatments for our patients.” Dr. Binoy, as he is most often called, said the new facility was designed with the experiences of patients in mind.
“Patients come to us at very difficult times in their lives, having received a horrible diagnosis,” he said. “We aim to make the treatment process as pleasant as possible. We want to provide a healing environment where patients can feel safe and secure, while receiving the best possible care.”
Dart Director Jackie Doak said that although Camana Bay had celebrated many ribbon cuttings and ground breakings over the past 15 years, the opening of the new radiotherapy centre is special because of how it will positively impact the quality of life for many people.
“Cancer patients won’t have to travel any farther than Camana Bay to receive the best treatment available anywhere in the world,” she said.
Health City Chief Business Officer Shomari Scott said the vision for Health City was always to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare, and he spoke about how the medical centre in East End had already done just that, helping to save the lives of Cayman Islands residents and visitors, as well as people from around the region.
“The vision and mission never stops, and today...the huge gap of radiotherapy for cancer patients has been filled,” he said.
“Today, the Caribbean, Latin America and this side of the world have options [they] would otherwise not if not for a special individual,” he said of Thompson. “Although you may be physically gone, your legacy and spirit through Health City will live on.”
This article will also be featured in the April 2023 print edition of Camana Bay Times.
