Here is more about the proposed cancer center, which was announced today as part of the University of Nebraska’s “Building a Healthier Nebraska” initiative.
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An artist’s rendering of the proposed cancer center project. View a PDF of the rendering to see a larger view. |
Plans call for four facilities to be constructed:
- A multidisciplinary outpatient clinic;
- A 98-lab research tower;
- A 108-bed hospital; and
- An ambulatory-care services structure near 42nd and Farnam streets.
Cancer patients with the toughest cases from around the world will be treated with the very latest procedures.
Why is the proposed cancer center needed?
The cancer center would provide a vast array of cancer services in one easy-to-access location. UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center have a national and international reputation as a leader in cancer care and research. This initiative will elevate this status and position the medical center to be a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center — one of 40 in the United States.
Where will the center be built?
Currently, the area between the Durham Outpatient Center and Durham Research Towers is the most likely location for the center. The construction of the new facility would mean both Swanson Hall and the Durham Outpatient Center parking garage would be razed to make room for the new structure. An underground parking facility would be included in the new project to replace the spots lost in the old garage.
What does the project mean for Nebraskans?
The cancer center will provide an unmatched cancer care experience for patients and their families. The latest discoveries will translate into new therapies, which will be administered by doctors who specialize in the patient’s exact form of cancer. The cancer center will provide a central location and synergy for all services. Additionally, the center would create an estimated 1,200 jobs by 2020 to serve patients and conduct research. Projections now show an additional infusion of $100 million per year to Nebraska’s economy
How much will it cost?
The early estimate of the project is expected to cost $370 million. Multiple funding sources will be sought, including both public and private dollars.
When will construction begin?
A start date has not been selected.
What is the next step?
More research and analysis will be done about the site and what would be included in the center. The project also must be approved by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents and The Nebraska Medical Center Board of Directors. Full approval could take several more months.