Oncology, Chemotherapy & Palliative Care Services Now Offered at Wabasha Hospital

Oncology, Chemotherapy & Palliative Care Services Now Offered at Wabasha Hospital

Patients with cancer in the Wabasha area have had to travel to Winona or La Crosse for chemotherapy and oncology care - a journey that can feel overwhelming during an already difficult time. Now, that's no longer necessary.

As of January, patients needing outpatient care can receive it close to home. Emplify Health by Gundersen Wabasha Hospital has added oncology, chemotherapy and palliative care to its list of 12 specialties.

"If you have a loved one going through chemo, you know that it's so exhausting - and just that travel time can make a world of difference, just being local," says Abby Oxendine, manager of clinic nursing.

Oncology Services Now Available Close to Home

Dr. Kurt Oettel, an oncologist based in La Crosse, is now seeing patients in Wabasha the first and third Thursdays of the month. New patients can begin care with him, and hospital officials encourage those with established oncology care to consider transitioning to a local provider. Patients only need a referral from their current provider to begin that process.

"Our goal is bringing care close to home, so having his services here twice a month is going to be really personal for our patients," says Kim Wolter, director of acute services in Wabasha. "For our patients, they love having everything right here because it's convenient."

Modern Infusion Therapy Space

Infusion therapy patients are seen in a recently renovated space on the main campus. The space features six infusion chairs - including new recliners for patients with extended infusions - so patients can stay on their normal chemotherapy schedule while remaining close to home.

Having chemotherapy and an in-house oncologist in the same location also means patients can accomplish multiple appointments in a single day, in one building.

Palliative Care Offers Whole-Patient Support

Alongside oncology services, Wabasha Hospital now offers palliative care - a new addition focused on the patient and their goals in therapy, including pain management alongside curative or life-prolonging therapies.

Nurse Practitioner Sara Venzke joined the team March 5 and works closely with Dr. Oettel.

"She'll be here the same day as Dr. Oettel, so patients can see both of them, plus get their chemo, plus get their labs - they can do all of that in one day here," says Wolter.

A Collaborative Effort Across Departments

Bringing these services to Wabasha required coordination across multiple departments, including the pharmacy. Pharmacist Rachel Zander was hired in 2024 specifically to mix chemotherapy medications - a new responsibility for the Wabasha team, but one she was well prepared for through her oncology background and dedicated training.

"I have oncology experience, so I think that helped, just having that background," she says. "There's been a lot of training that's gone into it, but our leaders did a good job of planning, hiring and training."

Nurse Makala Hansen also became certified to administer chemotherapy drugs, feeling called to walk alongside patients through one of the most challenging chapters of their lives.

"The empathy I have for people runs so strong, and honestly, these patients are going through so much - not just with me at the bedside, but when they leave here," Hansen says. "I just feel like I can extend some love to them right here at home. I truly believe in taking care of them fully."

Comprehensive, Compassionate Care - Right Here in Wabasha

The Wabasha team is proud to bring these new services to patients in the community and surrounding area.

"We are truly excited to offer oncology services with the capability of delivering chemotherapy right here in our community," says Wolter. "During such a challenging time for patients, our goal is to ease some of the stress by providing care close to home - surrounded by family, friends and caregivers who know and care for them deeply. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that supports the whole patient throughout their journey close to home."

Schedule Your Appointment

To schedule an appointment or inquire about transferring your oncology care to Emplify Health by Gundersen Wabasha Hospital, call (651) 565-5600.