Duke Raleigh Hospital expands cancer center

The newly expanded center at the hospital on Wake Forest Road in Raleigh has all cancer services under one roof.

“For 95 to 98 percent of what we see everyday, the convenience and expertise we have here will equal what will be seen in Durham,” said Dr. Michael Spiritos, the cancer center’s medical director.

Spiritos said the new infusion facility takes advantage of natural outdoor space, making for a peaceful environment for a sometimes stressful experience in the cancer center.

Debbie Schoeffield, of Raleigh, gets regular treatments at the center to keep her cancer in remission. She said the center has a very warm feeling.

“It’s much more comfortable. It’s pleasant to look out at the beautiful garden,” she said.

That comfort level, Schoeffield said, makes a huge difference.

“I don't want to feel like a patient, so I'm not sitting in an environment that makes me feel like I'm a cancer patient,” she said.

Duke Raleigh Hospital opened its cancer treatment center in 2004 and opened the expanded facility this month.