2025 Marks the Anticipated Reopening of the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute

In a significant step forward for healthcare in the region, the Territorial Hospital Redevelopment Team announced plans for the reopening of the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute (CKCI) by September 2025. Darryl Smalls, the Executive Director for Facilities and Corporate Development, shared the progress report with the Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services.

During the committee meeting on Wednesday, Smalls detailed the milestones already achieved in the CKCI project. Notable among these was the groundbreaking event on November 4, followed by the commencement of construction work in March, under the stewardship of J Benton Construction LLC. The project, valued at over $29 million, benefits significantly from a FEMA grant aimed at replacing essential equipment lost to hurricanes. Thanks to updated FEMA guidelines, the agency will cover nearly the entire cost associated with this equipment replacement.

Contractors have made preliminary steps to ensure the construction area is secure and have begun the process of making CKCI a standalone entity by disconnecting it from the Schneider Regional Medical Center. This initial phase is critical to the project’s overall timeline and success.

The update was met with cautious optimism by lawmakers. Senator Milton Potter expressed concern over the project’s ambitious timeline, reflecting a common sentiment among his colleagues. Despite these reservations, Smalls reassured the committee of the contractor’s capabilities and downplayed concerns over the construction phase. However, he acknowledged potential delays in procuring essential items and equipment due to complex global supply chains.

Another point of discussion was the institute’s staffing strategy for its 2025 reopening. Smalls highlighted ongoing efforts by the leadership team to address this challenge, ensuring the institute will be adequately staffed upon completion.

As the CKCI project progresses, it represents a beacon of hope for improved cancer care and treatment facilities in the region, despite the hurdles of logistics and staffing that lie ahead.