Explosion & Fire Won't Delay Opening Of New Cleveland Clinic Center
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WESTON (CBSMiami) -- Despite a fiery explosion, last week managers of the Cleveland Clinic of Florida said the brand new Egel and Pauline Braathen Center, will not have a delayed opening.
The damage that sent a huge plume of black smoke into the sky that could be seen for miles was limited to a small rooftop, on an annex area of the brand new neurology and cancer center.
The roof has already been repaired.
CLICK HERE To Watch Natalia Zea's Report
The destruction was limited in part thanks to quick-reacting firefighters, who even threw tarps over 10 million dollars of radiation equipment, to prevent potential water damage.
"The response from these groups was absolutely incredible," said Cleveland Clinic Florida President Dr. Wael Barsoum.
He told CBS4's Natalia Zea after the explosion his first concern was for the safety of the employees, patients and construction workers nearby.
He also worried that this brand new center may have to postpone its grand opening, slated in just weeks. But he vows it will open on time.
"We've been working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make sure that we are ready to open on time and see patients as we had promised the community that we would," said Barsoum.
"We're incredibly proud of this building that's really designed to be patient-centric," said Dr. Steve Roshon, Director of the Maroone Cancer Center, housed within the Braathen Center.
The Braathen Center will provide care to cancer patients, and serve as a neurological facility to research and treat brain diseases.
The center also incorporates natural light in every aspect of healing, including during chemotherapy treatments.
Managers say the center will provide something special to those fighting serious diseases undeterred by a seriously explosive situation.
The center is scheduled to open next month.
