Antwerp (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): ZAS (Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen) will open Flanders’ largest oncology center, serving 5,000 patients annually with 39 experts. Dr. Annemie Rutten leads the initiative to enhance cancer care.
The new oncology center at ZAS (Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen) will be the biggest cancer treatment place in Flanders, with a team of 39 cancer experts. This center is expected to greatly improve care for about 5,000 new cancer patients who come to ZAS hospitals each year. With its modern facilities and focused approach, the center will offer complete treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, all customized to meet each patient’s needs.
How will ZAS’s new Oncology center in Antwerp improve cancer care?
In terms of location, cancer treatment will still be available at ZAS Jan Palfin for patients in northern Antwerp, making sure they can easily access care. For patients in the southern area, treatment will move from ZAS Middelheim to the new ZAS Augustinus facility. This plan is meant to make services more organized, helping to provide better and faster care for patients. By bringing cancer treatment resources together, the goal is to give patients better support and specialized care in one central place.
According to Dr. Annemie Rutten, the head of medical oncology at ZAS Augustinus, This plan aims to improve cancer care by focusing advanced treatments at the Augustinus campus, while basic care will still be available at Jan Palfin and Middelheim. He mentioned that this shows a strong commitment to providing the best care possible, as concentrating expert staff and resources at Augustinus can lead to better treatment options. The goal is to make processes smoother, reduce waiting times, and create a more connected approach to treating cancer, which will benefit patients in the Antwerp area.
Patients have been updated about the changes recently. Dr. Rutten says that since the Middelheim and Augustinus hospitals are close to each other, most patients won’t find it hard to switch. Some might need time to get used to the new place, but the team will show them the benefits. This change will allow for more personalized care because doctors can work closely together on specific types of cancer. As treatments get more specialized, it’s important for doctors to focus on their areas to give the best care.
