Lincoln Hospital details infusion and oncology renovation, expects expanded local cancer care
Summary
Melissa Brown, manager of infusion services, described a renovation to colocate infusion and oncology services: an eight‑pod infusion center with private bays, a refrigerated Pyxis, closer pharmacy access, dedicated pharmacists, and plans for cold cap services; construction began after asbestos abatement with a projected 10–12 month timeframe.
Melissa Brown, manager of infusion services at Lincoln Hospital, presented details of a renovation that will bring infusion and oncology practice into the same space to improve patient experience and safety.
Brown said the project began with asbestos abatement and demolition, with construction work that started in September/October 2025 and a projected 10–12 month schedule targeting a mid‑September move‑in. She noted that before 2020 infusion was a two‑chair service that grew and became difficult to accommodate with oncology providers separated in another building.
"Our new infusion center will have 8 infusion pods," Brown said, describing each pod as equipped with a heated recliner, space for up to two visitors, a TV and a USB port. The design also includes a private infusion bay with a bed for patients who are uncomfortable in a recliner and expanded waiting, check‑in and teaching spaces.
Brown emphasized pharmacy integration: the renovation adds a refrigerated Pyxis unit so refrigerated medications are on‑site and a discreet backdoor for pharmacy staff to drop off hazardous chemo medications, reducing hallway transport. The plan calls for a dedicated pharmacist in the department to provide one‑on‑one education and serve nursing staff.
Other improvements Brown mentioned include clean supply storage and the potential to offer cold cap services to help some patients preserve hair during chemotherapy. She said colocating providers and infusion will improve response to chemotherapy reactions and enhance overall care coordination.
Audience members praised having local access and avoiding long drives to Portland. Later in the meeting, hospital leadership also briefed the group on a new combined primary/pediatrics site planned for Waldoboro and capital planning for emergency department and surgical suite renovations across the MaineHealth coastal region.
