Health system leaders said the new cancer center is designed to meet growing demand for cancer services while addressing space constraints at existing facilities. | Photo Credit: Confluence Health
What You Need to Know
- Project overview: Confluence Health has approved construction of a new cancer center designed to consolidate oncology services currently spread across multiple locations, creating a centralized, patient-focused hub for cancer care in North Central Washington.
- Investment and scale: The project carries an estimated cost of nearly $60 million and represents one of the health system’s largest recent capital investments, aimed at expanding capacity to meet rising demand for cancer services.
- Location and design: The cancer center will be built on the Confluence Health Hospital Central Campus in Wenatchee and is being designed to improve care coordination, patient flow and access to support services in a single setting.
- Expanded treatment capacity: The facility will increase exam rooms by approximately 38%, boost infusion capacity by about 76%, and double radiation therapy capability with the addition of a second linear accelerator vault.
- Timeline: The project is currently in schematic design, with construction expected to begin in November 2026 and the first patients anticipated to be treated in mid-2028.
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WENATCHEE, Wash. — Confluence Health has approved plans for a new cancer center on its Central Campus in Wenatchee, a nearly $60 million project aimed at expanding oncology services and improving access to care for patients across North Central Washington.
The Confluence Health Board of Directors gave final approval for the project this month, allowing the health system to move into the schematic design phase. Construction is expected to begin in November 2026, with the first patients anticipated to be treated in mid-2028.
Health system leaders said the new cancer center is designed to meet growing demand for cancer services while addressing space constraints at existing facilities.
“This project represents a significant investment in our region and in the patients we serve,” said Dr. Peter Rutherford, president and chief executive officer of Confluence Health. “By expanding and modernizing our cancer care facilities, we can provide more comprehensive, coordinated treatment closer to home.”
The new center will consolidate cancer services that are currently spread across multiple locations, bringing medical oncology, radiation therapy, infusion services, laboratory support and other cancer-related care under one roof. Officials said the centralized model is intended to improve care coordination, reduce travel time for patients and enhance the overall treatment experience.
According to Confluence Health, the facility will significantly increase capacity. The number of exam rooms is expected to grow by about 38%, while infusion capacity will increase by approximately 76%. The center will also double the number of linear accelerator vaults used for radiation therapy, expanding from one to two and allowing more patients to receive treatment locally.
For many patients, radiation therapy requires frequent visits — sometimes five days a week for several weeks. Health system leaders said expanding local access is especially critical for rural patients who currently travel long distances for care.
“This expansion will make a meaningful difference for patients and families who already face the physical and emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis,” said Chris Bos, chief operating officer of Confluence Health. “Reducing travel time and providing coordinated care in one location can ease that burden.”
The cancer center will be located on Confluence Health Hospital’s Central Campus, reinforcing the organization’s long-term commitment to Wenatchee as a regional hub for specialty care. Design plans emphasize a patient-centered environment, with improved flow, privacy and support spaces for patients and caregivers.
Funding for the project will come from a combination of organizational resources and philanthropic support, according to the health system.
Confluence Health serves a large geographic area across North Central Washington, and officials said the new cancer center is a critical step in ensuring high-quality oncology care remains available as the region continues to grow.