The Riverside Middle Peninsula Cancer Center at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital is in the midst of an expansion project aimed at improving patient care.

Additions to the cancer center include increasing the number of clinic rooms, infusion chairs and office spaces to serve more patients. There will also be two nourishment stations, a bigger break room for employees and a new larger lab.

“The population is aging and age is a risk factor for cancer,” said Linda McKee, Associate Vice President for Riverside Cancer Care Network. “Patients are living longer with a cancer diagnosis.”

Since the demand of cancer center services is increasing, expanding the space was the health system’s natural next step to ensure current and future patients receive the care they need locally.

“We’re very excited we can do this here in Gloucester,” said McKee.

Construction began in January and the first phase was recently completed. The second phase is slated to be completed by the end of summer....