Radiation Therapy Center to Open in the Northern Neck

A radiation oncologist and medical director first approached the SBDC in November of 2003. He has just recently sold his business in Fredericksburg and was seeking assistance with a new practice in the Montross area of Westmoreland County. He was seeking assistance in all phases of the start-up process.

The counselor met with the client and the first order of business involved completing the Certificate of Need application and obtaining the support of political seats of all four counties in the Northern Neck where he will concentrate his practice. The SBDC was instrumental in setting up meetings and providing the needed demographic data for completion the Certificate of Need. The counselor also spoke on behalf of the client at a public hearing on his application of need. Client returned to the SBDC with the Certificate of Need and for the development and review of his business plan. The SBDC assisted in this process by reviewing and critiquing the plan, and assisting with financial projections.

As a result of the work of the client and the SBDC, the cancer center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2005. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in January 2005 and construction is underway. The center will be the first to offer radiation therapy services in the Northern Neck. Construction for the 7,000 square foot facility is budgeted at $1.7 million. Twelve to 20 jobs will be created by the opening of this center.