Cancer care should meet the needs of patients and families. At the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, that simple-sounding belief is radically reshaping care.
In spring 2005, Froedtert Hospital broke ground for a 173,000 square foot expansion of its Cancer Center. While the expansion is a response to increased demand for outpatient cancer care, the new Cancer Pavilion, as it will be called, will be more than just a larger space. It will be a patient-centric environment offering choice, convenience and connections.
“Instead of just constructing a new building, we’re building a new philosophy of care,” says Janet Osborne, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin gynecologic oncologist. “The Cancer Pavilion will be a place where we help patients heal and recover.”
J. Frank Wilson, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin radiation oncologist adds: “The Cancer Pavilion will provide the clinical and academic environment required to maximally enhance provision of the most advanced multidisciplinary cancer care available in eastern Wisconsin. The Pavilion is key to acquiring additional federal and other cancer research funding and will provide state-of-the-art treatment for cancer patients and their families, as well as education and training for providers of oncology services.”
Designed with input from patients, physicians and other professionals, the Cancer Pavilion will create a clinical and support “hub” around each patient. Patient care will be coordinated by a single contact person — a registered nurse — who will answer questions and connect patients with the necessary care.
All support staff, treatment areas and resource centers will be nearby. Flexibility is built into the design, allowing maximum patient choice. “Patients are looking for connections back to staff, yet they want their privacy,” notes Jim Mladucky, an architect from the Chicago-based firm OWP/P responsible for the design. “On some days, people come in and want to be part of a group. Other days, they don’t want to be seen by anyone.” As a result, the plan for the new outpatient treatment area includes group bays and private rooms, all located near nursing support.
Centralization is a key feature of the new Cancer Pavilion. The three story building, an extension of the current East Clinics building, will house 12 disease-specific, multidisciplinary cancer programs, laboratories, imaging and research facilities, dietary, psychosocial and pastoral care, palliative care, the Cancer Genetics Screening Program, education/wellness center, gift shop and pharmacy. Underground parking, entrance drop-off and valet service will also be available.
“It will be much more convenient for patients in the new Cancer Pavilion,” says Dr. Osborne. “Right now we have all those pieces in our hospital, but they’re not concentrated in one place.” Centralizing care will also enhance the level of multidisciplinary service available to patients. “Under one roof, we’ll be able to more easily communicate and exchange ideas,” adds Dr. Osborne. Patients and families will enjoy an increased connection to nature as well. The Cancer Pavilion will be situated toward the south, allowing natural sunshine, warmth andviews of the adjacent nature reserve to flood the building. Upon its completion late in 2007, the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Pavilion will offer an unparalleled level of service.
“We’re extremely excited about this project. With the enhanced multidisciplinary care Froedtert will provide patients, we believe it’s going to be one-of-a-kind in the country,” says Mladucky.
All Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin cancer services will remain available throughout construction. For more information, call 800-272-3666.