ENTERPRISE – Cancer treatment services for county patients is expanding at Wallowa Memorial Hospital with the creation of an Outpatient Oncology and Infusion Clinic, according to Laurie Marcum, WMH’s chief nursing officer.

An important part of the expansion will be twice-monthly visits of oncologist S. Maynard Bronstein, MD, PhD, from La Grande on Thursdays starting Nov. 3 to see patients in the newly established clinic.

Marcum said that while the hospital has offered outpatient therapy services since 2009, patients will now be able to see an oncologist, and have all their lab work and associated testing done, at the local hospital.

“This will save the patient time, money and energy by allowing them to stay at home to receive treatment,” said Marcum.

Dr. Bronstein is only part of the improvement in WMH cancer treatment.

Recently the Wallowa Valley Health Care Foundation’s Circle 100 Club members donated $10,000 to upgrade the infusion therapy room. Seeing the need of the community, the group felt it was important to create an environment that is comfortable for cancer patients receiving chemo and patients receiving infusion therapy. Patients are sometimes in treatment for hours at a time.

Two new heat and massage infusion chairs were ordered and a refrigerator in the room is stocked with beverages. DVD players, iPads and Sirius radio are available to help pass the time and make the patient feel pampered.

An open house for the public to view the new infusion therapy room is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Dr. Bronstein graduated in 1990 from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C. His Internal Medicine Residency was also completed at Duke University in 1995, followed by a hematology/oncology fellowship in 2000. Dr. Bronstein is board-certified in medical oncology, internal medicine and hematology.

“Dr. Bronstein will oversee the clinic and the staff of six specially trained oncology RNs, who are committed to ensuring that patients receive the premier care they deserve at this stressful time in their lives,” Marcum said.

Appointments with Dr. Bronstein can be made through the patient’s family practitioner, but can also be made directly by calling the Outpatient Therapy Clinic at Wallowa Memorial Hospital at 541-426-5436.