Sutter Lakeside Hospital, part of Sutter Health’s not-for-profit integrated healthcare delivery system, today announced the launch of infusion services onsite, marking a significant step forward in expanding access to advanced cancer care in Lake County. The launch is part of Sutter Health’s Rural Oncology Program, in partnership with its Advanced Cancer Services, designed to bring the same innovative treatments and coordinated care available in metropolitan areas to patients in rural communities.
“With these critical cancer services now available right here in our hospital, patients no longer need to travel over the mountain for life-changing treatment,” said Tim Stephens, CEO of Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “This brings high-quality care closer to home for our community and strengthens healthcare access in Lake County.”
Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s new infusion center, located within the hospital, features six treatment bays – two private and four semi-private – and delivers vital cancer therapies, including immunotherapy and other targeted treatments. Chemotherapy services will begin in early 2026.
The newly renovated space provides a calm, comforting environment for patients and is staffed by an advanced practice clinician, or APC, alongside specially trained nurses and pharmacists. Together, the team offers additional related services such as hydration and transfusions, as infusions can last anywhere from a few hours to most of the day. The goal of these therapies is to help manage or eliminate disease, control symptoms, and support patients through their journey.
Previously, Sutter patients in Lake County who needed infusion services had to travel 65 miles one way to Sutter Health’s Santa Rosa Oncology and Infusion Clinic, or even farther to Sacramento. In winter, snow and ice made these long drives especially difficult. With the new infusion center now based locally, patients can receive care within their own community, providing easier and safer access year-round.
Expanding Sutter Cancer Care in Lake County
Cancer services at Sutter Lakeside Hospital expanded this summer with the arrival of long-time area oncologist Dr. Mark Turrill. Since his joining, the hospital has been able to care for more patients with cancer. In preparation for the new infusion center, the hospital also introduced 26 new medications and connected patients with Sutter’s Specialty Pharmacy, providing convenient and reliable delivery of outpatient treatments.
Looking ahead, in early 2026, Sutter Lakeside Hospital will continue to expand its cancer care services for patients in collaboration with Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods, based in Santa Rosa. “This will bring additional physician expertise and local advanced practice clinician-led care to patients, expand access to virtual visits and inpatient consults, and grow the hospital’s breast cancer program in partnership with Sutter Santa Rosa Oncology,” said Dr. Michael Magnotti, CEO of Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods. Shared scheduling and authorization processes across the Sutter system will also further streamline care.
Sutter Health is a recognized leader in cancer care. Each year, approximately 17,000 people newly diagnosed with cancer seek care within the Sutter Health system. Expert teams, innovative technologies, and pioneering research drive its unique model of comprehensive, integrated, and connected care.
“By expanding cancer services in Lake County, Sutter Lakeside is helping support our rural patients to benefit from that same depth of expertise, right in their own community,” said Dr. Amanda Wheeler, chair of Sutter’s Cancer Services. “We’re redefining cancer care from prevention to survivorship, today and for the future.”
About Sutter Health
Sutter Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system dedicated to providing comprehensive care throughout California. Committed to advancing innovative patient care, healthy outcomes, and community partnerships, Sutter Health is pursuing a bold new plan to reach more people and make excellent healthcare more connected and accessible. Currently serving more than 3.5 million patients, thanks to our dedicated team of more than 60,000 employees and clinicians, and 14,000+ affiliated physicians, with a unified focus on expanding care to serve more patients.
Sutter delivers exceptional and affordable care through its hospitals, medical groups, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care clinics, telehealth, home health, and hospice services. Dedicated to transforming healthcare, at Sutter Health, getting better never stops.
Learn more about how Sutter Health is transforming healthcare at sutterhealth.org and vitals.sutterhealth.org.
