Olean General Hospital on track to reopen radiation center in May 2026 with major enhancements

Olean General Hospital on track to reopen radiation center in May 2026 with major enhancements

Olean, NY - Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is pleased with the progress of the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center renovation and technology upgrade. The project remains on track to resume radiation therapy services in May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of local cancer care.

This week, the radiation medicine center's new state-of-the-art linear accelerator, the Varian TrueBeam 4.1 system, officially arrived on site and is currently being installed. This advanced technology will enable more precise, efficient and personalized radiation treatments for patients across the region. Installation and commissioning are progressing as planned in coordination with regulatory partners to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.

"Our team is excited to see this project coming together," said Roberta Truman, manager of radiation therapy and lead radiation therapist. "Having the new linear accelerator on site and moving through installation brings us one step closer to delivering enhanced care for our patients right here at home."

In preparation for reopening, OGH is ensuring that all the center's clinical team are fully equipped and ready. Truman completed extensive, specialized training on the new system.

"I've had the opportunity to complete hands-on training with this new equipment and the new capabilities are astounding. I can't say it enough, our local region is so fortunate to have this service, right here, close to home," added Truman.

The care team will return to support operations including our nurses, radiation therapists and other support staff.

"While patients will notice updates, including the new sign at the front of the building, they will continue to see the same familiar faces providing the high-quality care they know and trust," continued Truman.

The radiation center welcomes new dosimetrists and physicists, both key roles in effective radiation therapy. Additionally, two experienced radiation oncologists, Dr. Chi Tsang and Dr. William Demas, will provide coverage on a temporary basis while recruitment for a permanent radiation oncologist is underway.

Dr. Tsang, a long-time resident of the region, earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI. He completed residencies in nuclear medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY and radiation oncology at St. Catherine Hospital Cancer Center, Garden City, KS. Dr. Tsang is American Board Certified in Radiation Oncology. Dr. Demas earned his medical degree from State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY. He completed radiation oncology residency at Downstate-Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, NY and radiation oncology fellowship at University of Texas MD Anderson Hospital, Houston, TX. Dr. Demas brings more than three decades of clinical experience to his role.

Beyond the technology upgrade, the radiation center is undergoing a series of enhancements and modernizations designed to improve the overall patient experience. These updates include aesthetic improvements to create a more welcoming, comfortable environment for patients and their families.

As part of this commitment to compassionate care, OGH has designated a space for Eileen "Birdie" Skrobacz's Robes for Comfort support service onsite. Birdie's initiative is designed to provide patients with added dignity, warmth and comfort throughout their treatment journey, reinforcing Kaleida Health Cancer Care's focus on whole-person care.

"These improvements go beyond equipment. They reflect our commitment to treating the whole patient," said Bradley J. Chapman, president of OGH and Bradford Regional Medical Center. "From advanced technology to enhanced surroundings and supportive services, every detail is focused on delivering high-quality, patient-centered cancer care close to home."

The reopening of the Mildred Milliman Radiation Medicine Center represents a major step forward in strengthening local cancer care services and reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for treatment.

For more information about Kaleida Health Cancer Care, visit kaleidahealth.org/cancer-care/.