Editor’s note: This is one in a series of articles reflecting on positive change in Moultrie and Colquitt County in 2017. See the column at left for links to other stories in the series.

MOULTRIE, Ga. —  2017 was a banner year for Colquitt Regional Medical Center as it continued to expand services and improve patient areas within the hospital. Work is now concluding on an entirely new oncology unit.

Oncology is presently located on the third floor of Colquitt Regional, but the new space will be on the first floor of the hospital with a separate entrance specifically designed for oncology patients. 

Hospital Trustee Chairman Richard Bass said oncology patients will be very proud of the new space.

“We interviewed a number of former and current oncology patients and their family members while designing this new space,” Bass said.  “It will be patient and family friendly and will allow for continued growth.”

The Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation received a signature donation from the Edwards family to build the center, and it will be named in honor of Bill Edwards, who lost a battle with cancer in August of 2015. 

“Our family’s desire in naming this oncology center in honor of my husband, Bill, is to give back to our community that we love so well,” said Bonnie Edwards.  “Our desire is, in some way, to ease the pain and the burden for those who may face such a time in their lives.”

The Edwards Cancer Center will feature:

• Private entry with direct access and convenient parking.

• Spacious reception and lobby area.

• Central nurses station with a view of patient areas.

• 7 patient infusion bays with visitor seating.

• 2 isolation rooms for complete privacy.

• 2 exam rooms.

• Conference Room/Resource Center for patient and family education

“The Edwards Cancer Center will be a state-of-the-art facility that we can be proud to offer our patients and community,” Colquitt Regional CEO Jim Matney said. “With Dr. [Roxana] Aguirre at the helm, our patients can continue to experience exceptional care – right here at Colquitt Regional.”

A capital campaign was launched in 2016 with a goal of raising $1.3 million by the end of 2017.  In addition to the signature donation from the Edwards family, a $100,000 gift was received from the Colquitt Regional Volunteer Auxiliary, a $250,000 gift was received from Colquitt Regional Employee donors, and numerous local individuals and businesses have also contributed. The $1.3 million goal was recently met, and the Edwards Cancer Center is expected to open to patients in March of 2018.