A holistic approach to cancer care

As a follow-up to its strategic planning and site selection master plan, Flad assisted the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System in understanding the market opportunity and viability of creating an outpatient radiation oncology center. In support of the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute's vision to provide a comprehensive care continuum, a new oncology center would provide SMH patients the ability to access premier radiation treatment services in a less stressful environment devoted solely to cancer care.

The outcome is a 17,000-square-foot, single-story radiation oncology center that will provide a holistic approach to care and has a focus on comfort that will help patients through treatment. The team worked with hospital user groups to design efficient patient flows throughout the treatment process to minimize the stress of those going through treatment. This includes patient flow scenarios from the initial consultations within the exam rooms to the repetition of the radiation treatment. Hospital user groups were not the only ones to be influential in this process; community members provided feedback and recommendations from the treatment they had previously received. Their input was critical in the understanding of the firsthand, local patient experience.

Within the center are two linear accelerators with direct access from a spa-like private patient dressing and gender-specific sub-wait areas; a CT simulator for radiation therapy; six exam rooms; physician offices; and an integrative care suite for patient navigation and counseling.

Architecturally, transparency and a connection to natural light are the overarching design goals, achieved through several features. The entry lobby's double-height atrium features floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing natural light deep into the space. Clerestories between the patient sub-wait area and the linear accelerators provide staff with daylight and give patients a connection to the outdoors as they transition through the treatment process. Building materials such as warm wood, teal accents and contemporary lighting contribute to the calming environment.

Patients, families and staff also are provided with the opportunity to physically access the outdoors. At the end of the lobby space are direct views to a ceremonial water feature with a backdrop of a natural wooded area beyond. A patio around the water feature was created to allow those visiting the space a place for respite and reflection.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital Strategic Planning and Site Selection Master PlanSarasota Memorial Hospital Oncology Inpatient and Surgical Tower