Regional Cancer Center

1980s

1980 - Southeast introduced the region's first wellness program designed to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

1981 - The Hospital completed construction of the $3 million, free-standing Regional Cancer Center. From a caseload of 35 radiation therapy patients in 1980, the Cancer Center today records more than 7,000 radiation therapy visits annually.

1983 - The $6.34 million Robert D. Harrison Annex was completed.

1984 - Southeast offered the region's first open heart surgery in October. By the fall of 2000, nearly 4,700 open heart surgeries have been performed by the Regional Heart Center team.

1985 - Southeast Home Health was established, bringing skilled nursing services into the homes of residents in seven southeast Missouri counties.

1986 - Southeast Hospice was established, offering a special kind of care to terminally ill patients and their families in 10 southeast Missouri counties. Doctors' Park Outreach was established.

1987 - Southeast's new Dennis B. Elrod, M.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology Center opened in 1987. Completed at a cost of $2 million, the Center introduced a new concept in childbirth to the region with its three "birthing" rooms. Also completed as part of the Elrod Center project was renovation of Southeast's 25-bed Pediatrics Department.

1989 - Southeast's commitment to providing quality health care continued with the addition of a second Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. Constructed at a cost of $1 million, the new lab complemented Southeast's full-service program of cardiac care.