KEARNEY, Neb. — Cancer patients in central Nebraska will soon have another nearby option for receiving care.

On Thursday, Kearney Regional Medical Center and Cancer Partners of Nebraska announced a joint venture to build a facility to provide outpatient cancer services in Kearney.

Cancer Partners of Nebraska Executive Director Justin Rousek says the idea is to bring cancer care outside of the state’s biggest metro areas.

“By coordinating cancer care in Kearney, we’ll be able to decrease travel time for these patients in central and western Nebraska and allow them more time to focus on treatment and recovery,” Rousek said.

It’s a concept leaders at Kearney Regional have been talking about since 2018. CEO Bill Calhoun says conversations with Cancer Partners of Nebraska heated up last summer.

“This is the right time, we have the right place, and we found the right partner in Cancer Partners of Nebraska,” Calhoun said.

The cancer center will include radiation and medical oncology, infusion and chemotherapy services, a linear accelerator, access to national clinical trials and on-site CT and PET diagnostic imaging.

Medical Oncologist Dr. Steve Dunder says it’s all guided by the desire to offer care that’s local and of the highest quality.

“It’s going to be beautiful, but it’s more than a beautiful building. It’s where the best care for the patient’s going to happen,” Dunder said.

The new 25,000 square foot facility will cost about $15 million to build. The partners will break ground on property between Kearney Regional and Yanney Park later this year and expect the facility to open in 2025.