Local residents will no longer have to travel to Boston for radiation therapy now that Newton-Wellesley Hospital (NWH) has opened the Joan and James Vernon Cancer Center.  Both Dr. Jeffrey Wisch, Medical Director, Vernon Cancer Center, Associate Chief of Hematology/Oncology, and Director of Inpatient Oncology; and Dr. James Vernon, long time Newton-Wellesley Hospital surgeon and for whom this Center is named, are Wellesley and Weston residents respectively.  Newton-Wellesley Hospital has always provided excellent medical care for cancer patients, including general oncology, surgery, and chemotherapy, but the missing piece had been radiation therapy. Since 50 percent of all cancer treatment requires radiation, this is a critical component of a cancer program. The Joan and James Vernon Cancer Center (VCC) will provide a comprehensive cancer program to address our community’s needs. The VCC, located on the site of the former Emergency Department, will occupy approximately 25,000 square feet on two levels in the main hospital.

Having radiation oncology available on the Newton-Wellesley Hospital campus facilitates the collaborative approach with MGH and provides multidisciplinary care for cancer patients. Patients’ quality of life will be enhanced, because they can now receive all of their treatment at a convenient location in familiar surroundings. The Vernon Cancer Center will also allow patients access to advanced cancer care from Newton-Wellesley oncologists – close to home.