OGH Radiation Medicine Center Announces Significant Technology Upgrade

OGH Radiation Medicine Center Announces Significant Technology Upgrade

Olean, NY - Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is pleased to announce that the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center will undergo a significant advancement in the future of local cancer care. Beginning January 2026, OGH will upgrade the linear accelerator, the key piece of equipment in radiation therapy.

The radiation center will upgrade to a new state-of-the-art linear accelerator, the TrueBeam 4.1 system, enhancing OGH's ability to deliver precise, advanced radiation therapy to patients in our region. This project represents a $4.1 million investment in state-of-the-art radiation therapy technology, funded largely through philanthropic support to advance cancer care services locally.

"This isn't simply a replacement. It's a comprehensive transformation of how patients will receive radiation therapy here in Olean," said Roberta Truman, Manager of Radiation Therapy. "This upgrade brings cutting-edge technology to our community, allowing us to deliver safer, more precise and more efficient treatments. I'm excited, and our staff is excited - having this level of advanced equipment available locally is truly a game-changer for our patients and their families."

During this upgrade process, radiation therapy services at the radiation center in Olean will be temporarily paused starting January 1 to ensure safe installation and commissioning of the new equipment. OGH anticipates resuming treatments in May. Current patients have been provided guidance regarding alternative radiation treatment options through a dedicated patient liaison to ensure uninterrupted care during the temporary transition period. The location will remain open for other patient care and navigation services.

"During this temporary pause in radiation therapy services, we are working closely with our regulatory partners to ensure a seamless transition of equipment. Patient safety and continuity of care remain our top priorities, and we are committed to continuing to operate at the highest standards of quality and care," added Truman.

As part of this transition, Roswell Park has chosen to step away from the partnership. OGH extends its appreciation for the collaboration to date.

"These are challenging times for the healthcare industry, and organizations across the country are being forced to make difficult business decisions," said Bradley J. Chapman, president, OGH, Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC). "OGH is a community hospital and our priority is to keep as much care close to home as possible. Although this partnership has ended, we remain deeply committed to providing exceptional cancer care locally."

Going forward, cancer care services at OGH and BRMC will align with Kaleida Health Cancer Care, the second-largest cancer care provider in Western New York. Kaleida Health Cancer Care provides patients with access to a full continuum of oncology care, from preventative screenings to testing, treatment, emergency and critical care if needed. OGH and BRMC look forward to expanding services and strengthening cancer care in our community through this affiliation.

All hospital-owned medical oncology services will transition to Kaleida Health Cancer Care in March 2026 and continue without interruption while the linear accelerator is upgraded. Patients receiving chemotherapy, infusion therapy or other medical oncology services can expect no gap in coverage, ensuring ongoing access to the critical care they need close to home.

This major investment in the new linear accelerator at the radiation center underscores OGH and Kaleida Health's dedication to ensuring that patients can receive leading-edge cancer treatment close to home.

"This investment reinforces our mission by preserving and strengthening local access to cancer services for the communities we proudly serve," added Chapman. "There's so many resources-time, money, transportation and follow-up care-that are strained when patients have to travel far distances for care. Enhancing our cancer care services will reduce added stress and travel burdens for our neighbors, family and friends."

To learn more about Kaleida Health Cancer Care, please visit https://www.kaleidahealth.org/cancer-care/.