A healthcare facility designed to provide multiple treatment options to patients is open in the heart of North Augusta.
A O Multispecialty Clinic can provide both radiation therapy and chemotherapy for cancer patients in one location. It began taking a small number of patients earlier this year but opened formally on May 12.
“We’re transforming cancer care with the most advanced radiation technology right here in North Augusta, as the only physician-owned clinic in the tri-state area,” said Traci Dumfie, CEO of A O Multispecialty Clinic. “With this level of technology, we provide precision expertise and compassionate care, putting our patients first. Every step of the way.”
Work to convert the former Medac Building on Bluff Avenue into a state-of-the-art treatment facility began about a year ago. South Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor, Pamela Evette, was on hand for the start and returned for the ribbon cutting.
“We’ve all had somebody in our families or friends that were personally touched by cancer. I know that’s what took my dad. So, I am always just over the moon when we see big advances in technology when it comes to battling this devastating disease,” she said. “This facility will put us on the map when it comes to cancer treatment. And to all the doctors and nurses who serve, thank you so much, because it is not an easy job, but we know you come into its heart first.”
Among those celebrating the opening was a clinic patient. Nancy Kitchens is a local interior designer who helped create the clinic’s style. It was during this project she said she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I just think that I was put here to be able to experience this so that I can tell you how blessed and thankful we are in this community to have this,” she said. “And so, I just want to tell y’all thank you.”
North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams said, in addition to providing quality care for cancer patients, the clinic can also serve as a lynchpin for the city.
“We have a downtown which we’ve been working to make the heartbeat of our community for the last four years. And then on this end we have Riverside Village, which is our live, work, and play, but those two entities have been separated,” he said. “Now, because of what you see with the old carpet shop, as well as Beacon Bluff, and now that y’all bought this building, now there are people, connecting the parts of our downtown to Riverside Village.”
Williams also said the clinic can be a valuable tool to attract new businesses and residents to North Augusta by contributing to the quality of life, a sentiment echoed by Evette.
“This is one of the fastest-growing areas in South Carolina,” she told ABD. “But as people look where they want to call home, they want to look for things like quality of life. They want to look for things like good medical care. They want to look for services, and that’s what you have here. So, this will definitely put, put this area on the map.”
Many of the patients coming to North Augusta were being treated at hospital clinics in downtown Augusta. Dumfie said the number one complaint patients mentioned in a survey was the difficulty in finding parking and walking to clinics and other facilities. She said being able to provide multiple treatments in one location, coupled with the parking deck, will make it easier for patients during a difficult time in their lives.
Learn more at www.aomsc.com
