Enloe Health Breaks Ground on Comprehensive Cancer Center
A groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of construction for Enloe Health’s new Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center. The new facility will serve Northern California communities, offering advanced treatments and equipment with patient-focused care.
Located in Butte County, where cancer is the leading cause of death, the Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center will offer life-saving cancer care, as well as education and screening, in an accessible location. With a partnership that began in 2022, Enloe Health engaged HGA’s interdisciplinary team to design a facility that could support a wide range of treatments, enhance the patient experience, support staff wellbeing, and provide a connection to the community.
“We chose to partner with HGA because of their strong health care and cancer facility expertise,” said Mike Wiltermood, President & CEO of Enloe Health. “HGA’s thorough research and benchmarking of other cancer facilities resulted in a design for the Gonzales Comprehensive Cancer Center that will offer our communities the advanced care they need and want, without having to drive far from home.”
HGA’s design includes various holistic and biophilic elements including a healing garden, a family lounge with an outdoor patio, and a quiet room. When accessing the facility from the west side patients will be immersed in nature, with pathways covered in trees and other plantings leading from the parking lot to a healing garden at the west entrance. A water feature aims to create a sense of peace, and a ceremonial bell — that will be rung by patients who have completed treatment — is intended to inspire a sense of hope and ease patient anxiety before stepping into the facility.
Once inside, patients will be welcomed by natural light and warm colors flowing throughout. Clear wayfinding will direct patients throughout the three-story facility, and waiting areas are strategically located in view of administrative staff for patient support and guidance. Arranged for patient ease and accessibility, the first floor will include the radiation and oncology departments, a patient and family resource center, and an alternative therapy suite including acupuncture, massage, and other support services. The second floor will consist of clinics, with universal exam rooms and the ability to flex and expand as patient needs shift. The third floor will house infusion services.
