Ribbon-cutting ceremony held for GRMC cancer center expansion
Credit: The Garrett County Republican, Renee Shreve
OAKLAND — Garrett Regional Medical Center staff, local dignitaries and contributors cut the ribbon for the recent expansion of the WVU Cancer Institute’s James and Shirley Bailey Regional Cancer Center Monday morning at GRMC.
The center was established in 2016. Since then, it has provided treatment and support for nearly 1,000 cancer and infusion patients, according to GRMC. Dr. Kevin Shannon is the center’s medical oncologist.
The expansion project added 2,515 square feet. The new space includes a dedicated pharmacy, exam and procedure rooms, office space and the Clara Stuck Survivors Room, where survivors can meet and share stories.
There is also a cosmetology room for the “Look Good, Feel Better” program and a library where patients can research such things as diet, nutrition and treatment protocols.
Those included Richard, Ellen, Tracy and Steve Stuck of Stuck Enterprises and Oakland Oil and Propane; Bill Weissgerber and the WGW Youth Cup group; Karen and Tom Myers; the Betsy Spiker-Holcomb Real Estate Team; David and Lu-Jean Bosely; Robert and Pamela Lentz; Total Biz Fulfillment; and the center’s namesake, James and Shirley Bailey, owners of GCC Technologies LLC.
He noted the Baileys recently presented another “generous” donation, which will be commemorated with the naming of the James and Shirley Bailey Medical Surgical Unit on the hospital’s third floor.
Just a few years ago, Oakland Mayor Peggy Jamison noted, there was no cancer treatment in Garrett County.
“Now, not only do we have a cancer care center, but we have an expansion of it,” she said. “What a wonderful thing that is. From all the folks who donated $100 to hundreds of thousands of dollars, it wouldn’t have been possible without all of you.”
Commissioner Larry Tichnell said Garrett County is one of the most giving places to live in.
Del. Wendell Beitzel said the hospital keeps getting better and better. He thanked those involved in the expansion, including the donors and West Virginia University Cancer Institute personnel.
“They’re the best staff you’ll ever find in a hospital anywhere in this country,” he said.
He noted local residents can now receive cancer treatments at GRMC and not have to travel out of the county, thanks to WVU and others involved in the center and its expansion.
U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-Md., said he was diagnosed with cancer last summer, went through chemotherapy and had surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
He stressed the importance of continuing to invest in medical research.
He presented Boucot and the Baileys with a citation in recognition of the cancer center, the expansion project and the “great and outstanding work that’s happening in Garrett County.”
A representative from U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s office, Nan Mann, presented GRMC with a proclamation for achieving another milestone.
Boucot noted the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will soon award GCMH with its highest rating. The hospital currently has four stars.
