Advanced Care Pavilion Expands Access to Specialty and Cancer Care

Adventist Health is redefining how specialty and cancer care is delivered in Kern County with the upcoming opening of the Advanced Care Pavilion — a transformative expansion designed to bring more coordinated, high-level care closer to home.

Currently under construction adjacent to the Adventist Health AIS Cancer Center in Bakersfield, the Advanced Care Pavilion will serve as a centralized destination where patients can access a wide range of services in one location. From imaging and diagnosis to specialty consultations, treatment planning, and infusion therapy, the pavilion is designed to simplify what can often feel like a complex and overwhelming healthcare journey.

Care designed around patients

At the heart of the Advanced Care Pavilion is a commitment to ensure care is more seamless for patients and families. Instead of traveling between multiple offices across town, or even out of the region, community members will move with ease and efficiency through each step of their care in one modern and thoughtfully designed space.

This coordinated approach brings together teams of specialists who collaborate closely, helping patients transition more smoothly from diagnosis to treatment. For example, someone newly diagnosed with cancer may need to meet with multiple providers and complete imaging before beginning treatment. At the pavilion, these services will be located under one roof, reducing delays and easing the burden on patients.

Expanding access to care close to home

Each year, more than 3,000 people in Kern County are diagnosed with cancer. Historically, many have needed to travel to larger metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles or the Bay Area, for specialized treatment. This inconvenience often leads to financial strain and time away from family.

The pavilion builds on the foundation established by the AIS Cancer Center, which has served the community since 2013. This expansion adds approximately 20,000 square feet of clinical space and significantly increases capacity, allowing Adventist Health to care for thousands more patients each year.

By expanding local access to advanced services, the pavilion helps ensure that more individuals can receive high-quality, specialized care close to home.

Comprehensive specialty services under one roof

In addition to expanded cancer services, the pavilion will offer a broad range of specialty care for the community. Services will include:

• Oncology and infusion therapy
• Gastroenterology
• Urology
• Breast cancer care
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Cardiothoracic surgery
• Neuro and spine surgery
• Orthopedics
• Colorectal surgery consultations
• Preventive cancer screenings
• Dermatology

Bringing these services together supports a more integrated approach to care — one that addresses both complex conditions and ongoing health needs.

Rapid access to urgent oncology care

A key feature of the pavilion is the region’s first Rapid Care Oncology Clinic, designed specifically for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Cancer therapies can sometimes lead to unexpected side effects such as infection, dehydration, or anemia. This specialized clinic will provide same-day evaluation and treatment for oncology patients, offering timely care in a setting tailored to their unique needs.

Many concerns can be managed onsite, including supportive infusions and blood transfusions, which can help patients avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room and receive care from providers who are closely connected to their oncology team.

A significant investment in community health

The Advanced Care Pavilion represents a $24 million investment in the health and well-being of Kern County. This includes a $10 million grant from the state of California to support the expansion of rural cancer care, along with generous contributions from community donors.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2026, marking a major milestone in expanding access to advanced, patient-centered care in the region.