Mercy Medical Center to Host ‘Topping Off’ Ceremony

SPRINGFIELD — The construction project to expand the Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center is on schedule, and a ‘topping off’ ceremony will be held Nov. 20 to mark the completion of the project’s main structure with the placement of the top steel beam. A topping off ceremony is a tradition within the construction industry and is held when the highest structural point in the building construction is attained. To celebrate this event, the last steel girder is signed, lifted into place and welded to the structure. A small evergreen tree and the American flag are also secured to the girder as it is hoisted to the top of the structure. The tree is meant to represent the strength of the new building and the desire for the construction project to remain injury-free. The $15 million expansion of the Sister Caritas Cancer Center, which will add an additional 26,000 square feet of space on two levels, is designed to provide more comprehensive care delivery and added convenience for patients. In addition to Radiation Oncology services, Medical Oncology offices, physician offices and exam rooms will be located on the first floor. Medical Oncology treatment and infusion space, an oncology pharmacy and laboratory space will be located on the second floor.