Sutter Lakeside Hospital marks the debut of chemotherapy services in Lake County with a ceremonial bell-ringing honoring patients and bringing cancer care closer to home.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital care teams, employees, and leadership joined Lake County community members, donors, and civic leaders on September 30 to celebrate the grand opening of chemotherapy services, which are the first available in Lake County.
The milestone was commemorated with a ceremonial bell ringing led by Infusion Center Nurse Manager Kayla Gondolfi and members of the oncology care team on behalf of current and future chemotherapy treatment patients.
The new services enhance access to cancer care in Lake County by providing comprehensive chemotherapy treatments conveniently located near where residents live and work. The launch follows last year’s debut of onsite infusion services, including immunotherapy and targeted treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as special biologic and IV antibiotic therapies.
Following the ceremony, Gondolfi and Maria Been, Director of Surgery & Oncology Care Services, led a tour of the infusion treatment area, which features carefully designed patient treatment rooms equipped with heated reclining seats and a view of the hospital’s tranquil rose garden. The expanded infusion services team, which includes an Oncology Nurse Navigator and a dedicated onsite pharmacist, is stationed just outside the treatment rooms.
When infusion services began last year, care teams saw an average of 6 patients per day. That number has grown to 29 patients, some of whom stay for treatments that can span several hours.
“This program began with a vision, grew through collaboration, and continues because of the dedication of countless individuals who believe that our community deserves exceptional care,” Been said. “We are proud of how far we’ve come, because we know every treatment represents trust, every visit represents hope, and every step forward reflects our commitment to high-quality, compassionate care.”
Sutter has also taken a holistic approach to patient care by revamping its courtyard, repainting treatment rooms, and adding artwork — creating a more healing and welcoming environment for patients during treatment.
The center is staffed by a dedicated team of advanced practice clinicians, pharmacists, and specially trained oncology nurses. Perhaps the most powerful voice in this story belongs to Christina Lasich, MD, Chief Medical Executive at Sutter Lakeside. Dressed in pink, she shared her own cancer journey openly: “I came here, right here to Sutter, for my annual routine mammogram. And then I got the phone call — they discovered I had breast cancer.” Having completed her first year of treatment, Dr. Lasich embodies the mission she leads. “Our team extends beyond our walls,” she said. “Our team is Lake County.”
Sutter Lakeside Hospital Infusion Center
5176 Hill Rd E, Lakeport, CA 95453
Phone: 707-262-5062
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm
Referrals: Fax to (707) 573-5498
