News Summary
UCLA Health is set to open a cancer care facility in Atascadero, enhancing access to comprehensive treatments. The center will offer hematology and medical oncology services, as well as integrative support for patients and families. This center marks UCLA Health’s 20th cancer center in California and will serve the North County region, accommodating up to 200 patients weekly. Additionally, partnerships with community resources will provide necessary radiation and surgical services. This development aligns with future improvements in local cancer care access.
Atascadero is set to become a hub for cancer care as UCLA Health prepares to open a new cancer care facility on July 28, 2025. This new center will be located at 1930 El Camino Real and will provide a full spectrum of cancer treatments utilizing various therapeutic options.
The Atascadero facility will be the 20th cancer center established by UCLA Health in California, marking it as the only cancer care center in the North County region. This strategic opening aims to enhance access to comprehensive cancer care for residents who previously had to travel to other areas for treatment services.
Offering world-class medical care backed by cutting-edge research and technology, the new facility will feature a comprehensive cancer care center dedicated to hematology and medical oncology. An infusion center within the facility will accommodate 15 to 17 chairs, allowing for efficient treatment of patients. Furthermore, the center will engage in clinical trials, providing patients access to the latest experimental treatments that may not be widely available elsewhere.
Supportive Services and Collaborations
In addition to medical treatments, the Atascadero center will include a Simms Mann integrative oncology resource center. This center is designed to offer vital mental health support and caregiving resources for patients and their families navigating the challenges of cancer treatment. UCLA Health will also ensure that patients have access to radiation oncology and surgical services through partnerships with existing community resources.
Transitioning Care to Atascadero
Dr. Brian DiCarlo and Dr. Joseph Cleveland, oncologists at the existing UCLA Health cancer care center in San Luis Obispo, will share their expertise between both locations. The San Luis Obispo center opened in March 2019 and currently serves a significant number of North County patients, with approximately half of its patient base hailing from that area.
The new Atascadero facility is expected to treat between 100 to 200 patients weekly upon opening, and plans are underway to hire additional medical staff to meet the anticipated demand. This strategic growth reflects UCLA Health’s commitment to improving healthcare access and patient outcomes in the region.
Future Developments
The Atascadero cancer care center’s opening is not only part of UCLA Health’s expansion efforts but also coincides with plans for a new Dignity Health cancer center in San Luis Obispo, slated for a spring 2026 opening. This addition will complement the existing services and further enhance the quality and accessibility of cancer care in the region.
Conclusion
With the new facility, UCLA Health is poised to make significant strides in cancer treatment availability for North County residents. The Atascadero center aims to provide high-quality, accessible care while maintaining academic rigor and fostering ongoing research efforts in the fight against cancer.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Cal Coast News
- Wikipedia: Cancer
- San Luis Obispo Tribune
- Google Search: Cancer Care Facilities California
- KSBY News
- Google Scholar: Cancer Care Advancements
- KSBY Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer
- Atascadero News
- Google News: UCLA Health Cancer Care
