Construction of New Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital Begins

Kickoff ceremony celebrates start of transformation project to expand access to leading cancer specialists and clinical trials

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:11pm

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Greenwich Hospital, Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS), and Smilow Cancer Hospital held a transformation kickoff ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on the new Smilow Cancer Hospital within the existing Greenwich Hospital campus. The project will expand access to cancer specialists and clinical trials, bringing the pioneering research of Yale Cancer Center directly to patients in Fairfield and Westchester counties.

Why it matters

The new Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital represents a major investment in the future of cancer care for the region, addressing the projected increase in cancer diagnoses and providing patients with greater access to leading-edge treatment options and support close to home.

The details

The event featured a symbolic 'wall-breaking' ceremony rather than a traditional groundbreaking, as the new Smilow Cancer Hospital is being built within the current footprint of Greenwich Hospital. The project will redesign and modernize clinical spaces to bring together medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion, surgical services, diagnostics, and supportive care, creating a fully integrated cancer hospital on the Greenwich Hospital campus.

  • The kickoff ceremony was held on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • The entire Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital project is set to be completed in early 2029.

The players

Greenwich Hospital

A 206-bed community hospital serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, and an academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine.

Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS)

The health system that Greenwich Hospital is a member of, and the parent organization of Smilow Cancer Hospital.

Smilow Cancer Hospital

One of the nation's pre-eminent cancer hospitals, Connecticut's largest provider of cancer care, and the only comprehensive cancer facility in Southern New England.

William Oh, MD

The Jean and David W. Wallace Medical Director of Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital, and director of Precision Medicine at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital.

Carmen Elledias

A former Smilow breast cancer and colon cancer patient from Bedford, NY, who provided a powerful testimony about her experience at the kickoff ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“Reaching this milestone is the result of remarkable efforts from our Greenwich Hospital staff and board members, donors and friends in our community, Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale New Haven Health. We are bringing a level of cancer care to the community that has never been seen before. The result of this project puts our patients at the center of forward-facing, multidisciplinary, world-class care throughout their entire cancer journey.”

— Bob Blenderman, PA, President, Greenwich Hospital

“Expanding Smilow's presence in Greenwich is essential to address the projected increase in cancer diagnoses in the region and provides a unique opportunity for individuals with cancer in the surrounding communities. We bring the highest quality cancer care and will be expanding access to clinical trials and innovative treatment options. Our goal is to ensure that patients locally can receive the best possible care with greater convenience and continuity.”

— Eric Winer, MD, President and Physician-in-Chief, Smilow Cancer Hospital Yale New Haven Health System, and Director, Yale Cancer Center

“The Smilow team in Greenwich has built a remarkable culture defined by expertise, compassion and the drive to push cancer care forward. The innovations emerging from this campus, from precision medicine to advanced clinical programs, are elevating the standard of care for the entire region.”

— William Oh, MD, The Jean and David W. Wallace Medical Director, Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital, Director, Precision Medicine, Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital

What’s next

As construction progresses, Greenwich Hospital, Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale New Haven Health remain united in their mission to reimagine cancer care for the region. When finished, the new Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital will offer patients a seamless, state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary healing environment designed to support them at every step.

The takeaway

This project represents a major investment in the future of cancer care for the Greenwich and Westchester region, expanding access to leading specialists, innovative treatments, and cutting-edge clinical trials. By bringing Smilow's world-class cancer services directly to the local community, the new hospital will elevate the standard of care and provide patients with greater convenience and continuity throughout their cancer journey.