On Thursday morning, members of the Williamson County and Round Rock community gathered to see the opening of Baylor Scott & White's first ever cancer center in the Austin-Round Rock region.
The 38,741 square foot facility, located at 300A University Blvd., Round Rock, has been under construction since its ground breaking in March 2016.
At the ribbon cutting Thursday, Baylor Scott & White Chief Medical Officer Rob Watson said the cancer center would allow medical providers to allay the anxiety of those battling cancer in the area.
Watson said research shows when patients have more positive outlooks because of reduced anxiety, they often have better outcomes.
"I really believe our organization has the right genetics, and the building behind us is just one example," Watson said.
The center will take a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment, housing numerous departments and services including medical and neurological oncology, radiologists, pain management specialists, social workers, physical therapy, occupational therapy, palliative care and more.
State elected officials Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, and Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock, also spoke at the event, commending BS&W on all the work that went into the project.
The cancer center exists on the first floor of the building, with orthopedics, podiatry, occupational therapy, neurology, physical therapy, pain management and more departments located on floors two through four. Several services already existing in the BS&W system are relocating to the new building.