Northeastern Nevada Radiation Oncology Center to be Built in Elko, Nevada

ELKO, Nev., Aug. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Douglas Debenham, board certified radiation oncologist, has announced plans to build a new radiation oncology center in Elko, Nevada this year.  The new Northeastern Nevada Radiation Oncology Center will be fully operational and treating patients by the first quarter of 2015, thanks to a partnership between RBS Evolution (RBSE), a provider of cancer treatment centers in underserved communities, and Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital, according to executives of both companies. 

Currently, cancer patients in the region who need radiation therapy must travel great distances for their treatments.  Radiation treatments are often prescribed five times a week, for several weeks at a time, creating a need for patients to make long daily trips, or to secure temporary living arrangements in another city.  

"This community is very fortunate to have outstanding medical services in place," says Debenham.   "My hope is that by adding a local cancer center, patients will be able to stay closer to home for all of their medical needs."  The center will be built on the campus of Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital, allowing patients easy access to the hospital's imaging department, as well as other physicians and services.  The center will feature Elekta Synergy, a radiation treatment system with an integrated 3D imaging system that allows physicians to more precisely target tumors with radiation beams. 

"We are very pleased to be working with Dr. Debenham," said Dan Moore, CEO of RBSE. "His vision to build a center here in Elko is in line with our mission of providing cancer care to rural, underserved areas.    Having a state-of-the-art radiation oncology center in Elko will allow more patients to spend less time traveling to treatments, and more time in the comfort of home."

Rick Palagi, Interim CEO of Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital added, "NNRH is excited to be able to have the new radiation cancer center on our campus.  Very soon patients will be able to receive their much needed treatments closer to home and we are thrilled to be a part of that and to contribute to the expansion of available cancer treatment services in northeastern Nevada."

Dr. Debenham is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, but visited Elko on many occasions to visit family members who still live in the area.   He received his medical degree from University of Nevada School of Medicine.   Prior to moving to Elko, he provided locum tenens radiation oncology services to cancer centers around the country.    He is a new full-time Elko resident, and will be in the facility every weekday, so that patients will not need to wait for an appointment.  

RBS Evolution is a joint venture company that builds cancer centers in rural, underserved areas.   RBSE is headquartered in Joelton, Tennessee, and currently owns and operates two freestanding cancer centers in Alaska.     For more information, please visit www.NortheasternRadiation.com or www.RBSevolution.com.

Contact:
Denise Gerlach 
Marketing 
844.401.4673

SOURCE RBS Evolution