There is a work of art in Cleveland, and I’m not talking about something in the Cleveland Museum of Art (although that is pretty spectacular too). No, I am referring to the Seidman Cancer Center and its state-of-the-art Breen Breast Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. On Thursday I had the privilege of touring this facility with Dr. Paula Silverman and Dr. Shaveta Vinayak, two medical oncologists who treat breast cancer.
In the 20 years that I have been in treatment for breast cancer I have seen a lot of hospitals, but I have never seen anything like this. Everything about this facility was designed with the patient and the patient’s family in mind.
The design team clearly solicited and heeded patient input. They went so far as to set up mockup consultation rooms and inpatient rooms in a warehouse, then brought patients and advocates in for feedback. The special touches are everywhere, from the patient friendly lighting to the hallway size to the hospital room doors. There is extra space for family in the inpatient rooms, including work space with accessible outlets. There are several types of settings in the infusion center, so you can be as private or as social as you want. There are laundry facilities for those who are dealing with extended stay. Fruit smoothies from the dedicated cafeteria. How about a radiotherapy suite that emphasizes natural light? There are no daily trips to the dungeon machines when you get radiation here! It’s almost enough to make a patient look forward to a hospital visit - almost.
I congratulate everyone involved in the development of the Seidman Cancer Center and the Breen Breast Center. Any hospital considering expansion or remodel should tour this facility. They got it right.
With Dr. Vinayak and Dr. Silverman in front of the testimonial wall. Every patient can find something to relate to in these patient stories. Well Done Cleveland!
