SSM Health celebrates cancer care facility expansion phase one completion

SSM Health has completed the first phase of its $15 million 480 E. Division Street cancer care facility expansion project in Fond du Lac, marking a significant milestone in enhancing access to high-quality, comprehensive cancer services for patients across Fond du Lac and surrounding communities.

As the only accredited cancer center in the area, SSM Health Cancer Care has seen tremendous changes and growth during its 30 years in its existing facility, serving patients from more than 29 counties in Wisconsin. In that time, SSM Health Cancer Care has experienced a significant increase in patients, overall services, and technology.

As part of phase one, the facility now features 20 semi-private treatment bays (previously six) and six private treatment bays (previously four). It also features pharmacy space – four times larger than existing – allowing for increased chemotherapy preparation. A new parking lot is doubling available spaces.

Landscaping includes a healing garden as well as berms along Division Street and Eastgate Place to ensure patient privacy as the expansion features more natural lighting to aid in healing. Patients and family members are also greeted with a new entrance and canopy.

“This milestone reflects our deep commitment to patients and families in Fond du Lac and the surrounding area,” according to Shane Smith, SSM Health Fond du Lac Market president. “Completing phase one of this expansion helps ensure that people facing cancer can receive the highest quality care, close to home, in a setting designed around their needs. It also reinforces our promise to continue investing in services that support the health and well-being of our communities.”

The enhancements are designed to reduce delays, improve privacy, and create a more healing environment for patients undergoing treatment.

“Our cancer services have continued to grow significantly over the years, and this expansion ensures we can meet that demand both now and into the future,” says Kim Schram, SSM Health Oncology Clinical Program administrator. “Phase one sets the foundation for a more integrated and patient-centered experience – bringing together advanced technology, expert care teams and supportive services all in one convenient location for our patients.”

The expansion supports continued growth in cancer services, including medical oncology, hematology and radiation oncology, while enabling the organization to adapt to evolving patient needs and regional health care trends.

Michael Jones, MD, an SSM Health Cancer Care hematologist/medical oncologist, highlighted the facility’s legacy and future impact.

“For more than 30 years, this facility has been a cornerstone of cancer care in our region,” Dr. Jones shares. “With this expansion, we’re enhancing locally delivered care to better meet the needs of our community. It brings comfort, familiarity, and trust.”

The second phase will focus on updating existing exam rooms working toward 20 total exam rooms compared to 11 existing today. It will also introduce a new registration area, and waiting area with fireplace, with the third and final phase introducing a wig boutique off the lobby as well as a massage and acupuncture space.

As a partner in care, the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation has been involved in the planning process to foster opportunities for community support. Philanthropy is an essential component of this project expansion, through the foundation’s continued efforts to enhance local patient care and assist the most vulnerable in our community.

A limited number of naming opportunities are available to dedicate a space through a charitable gift – contact the foundation at 920-926-5418 for details.

CD Smith Construction serves as the project’s general contractor with Zimmerman Architectural Group as project designer.

Future phases of the project will continue to build on this momentum, further enhancing care delivery and expanding services designed to improve access, convenience and outcomes for patients. Project completion is set for summer 2027.