HELENA, Mont. — Benefis Health System announced Thursday that it has paused oncology services at the specialty center in Helena.
The hospital said the pause comes amid challenges surrounding recruitment of a permanent oncologist.
“Since the unfortunate passing of Dr. Carolyn Aks in 2025, we have worked diligently to recruit an oncologist who is committed to the community and the patients we serve,” said Rayn Ginnaty, Benefis president of system care continuum. “Despite these efforts, we have not yet found the right candidate.”
The hospital has been working with locum tenens providers to maintain oncology care, but the cost of the ongoing coverage from short-term providers is unsustainable.
The Helena specialty center is continuing to try to recruit an oncologist to lead the program.
Those who continue with Benefis will be able to see providers at Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute in Great Falls.
“We know oncology and infusion services are important for the Helena community, and we will continue to pursue options as we maintain our commitment to operating in a responsible and sustainable way,” Ginnaty said.
Oncology services will restart in Helena as soon as the permanent provider is recruited. The hospital emphasized that filling that role is a top priority.
