Cayman residents travelling overseas for cancer treatment now have an additional option when choosing a medical facility as the new Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, in Ohio, began welcoming patients on Monday, March 6. The 377,000-square-foot facility has been designed to house all outpatient cancer treatment services in one location with the centre’s team of medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurses, genetic counselors, social workers and others all working together in one shared space to improve patient outcomes.
“Every aspect of Cleveland Clinic’s new cancer centre was designed with the patient in mind to provide the best clinical outcomes and patient experience,” said Toby Cosgrove, M.D., CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic. “Further, it will foster greater collaboration, communication and research among physicians and care providers in the fight against cancer.”
The Taussig Cancer Center was designed with patient experience and empathy in mind, drawing on feedback from a panel of former cancer patients who outlined what would make their experience as ideal, welcoming and healing as possible. The new building is organized by cancer type, allowing patients to now have all of their appointments in one area where clinical caregivers come to the patient.
“As one of the nation’s most progressive cancer centres, the new Taussig Cancer Center will provide a seamless, personalized experience,” said Brian J. Bolwell, M.D., FACP, chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. “Our design priorities of reduced wait times, improved patient flow, multidisciplinary clinics and a healing environment, combined with a commitment to cancer research, will deliver the best possible care and support for our patients.”
Clinical features of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center include:
- 126 exams rooms and 98 treatment rooms in close proximity
- Private chemotherapy infusion suites along the north side of the building with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the tree-lined lawn
- A large laboratory to help avoid long waits for blood testing
- Genetics and genomics testing
- A centralized home for existing high-level treatment technology, including six linear accelerators and a Gamma Knife suite
- On-site diagnostic imaging
- Dedicated area for phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trials, with a special emphasis on supporting phase 1 trials
Beyond clinical services, the facility’s first floor houses critical support services intended to reduce cancer’s psychological stress. Those services include:
- A resource centre where patients and families can access printed and online cancer information
- Art and music therapy spaces
- A boutique where patients with chemotherapy-associated hair loss can receive free wigs, caps and scarves
- A wellness centre for guided imagery, facials and other aesthetic services
- A private prosthetics fitting area
- The 4th Angel Mentoring Program, an initiative begun by figure skating champion and Cleveland Clinic cancer patient Scott Hamilton, to provide patients with free, confidential, one-on-one advice and support from a trained volunteer and cancer survivor
- A spiritual area for prayer or meditation
March 7, 2017 – iNews
