“I can use the word ‘huge’ and it’s not even good enough to describe it, You can’t quantify the positive impact it has had on patients.” – Elizabeth Conderman, R.N., nurse manager, Adult Hematology/Oncology unit
Hematology/Oncology unit, which expanded from 23 to 30 beds. With the addition of the inpatient units, the Wilmot Cancer Center in essence becomes a comprehensive cancer hospital, offering a seamless, full continuum of inpatient and outpatient cancer care. “This is a very exciting time for the Wilmot Cancer Center and the patients we serve,” said Jonathan Friedberg, M.D., acting director of the cancer center. “By combining our inpatient and outpatient services, we have moved to a model employed by some of the very best cancer centers in the nation and are creating efficiencies and conveniences that will lead to an even higher standard of care for our patients. The environment we’ve created through an abundance of natural light, sizeable rooms and the many amenities we’ve built in after listening to input from patients on the existing units for the past several years will no doubt have a very positive impact on their care.” The new inpatient floors feature breathtaking views of the greater Rochester region and vastly upgraded patient and family amenities, in keeping with the University of Rochester Medical Center’s commitment to a model of Patient and Family Centered Care. The units feature all private rooms, nearly double the size of those on the existing units at Strong.
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Other upgrades include amenities designed to improve comfort and convenience for patients and their families, including: • Sleeper sofas and in-room safes for storage of valuables • Family waiting areas with conference rooms for private discussions and a pantry offering snacks and beverages • Exercise/Solarium rooms with panoramic views • Laundry facilities • Video gaming • An Urgent Care/Triage area for patients with acute needs, avoiding visits to the Emergency Department To Conderman, the clear advantage of the new inpatient units is the fact that all of the patient rooms are now private, as compared to the semi-private rooms on 6-3400, where the unit was previously located. “Patients and their families have their own private space to receive care…often intimate care because of the nature of their illness…and to be able to spend time with each other and have often serious conversation about life decisions,” Conderman said. “They have the luxury of moving around in their rooms without bumping into equipment. They appreciate having their own private bathroom, a big, bright window with nice views, and a place for their loved one to stay if they wanted to. They refer to it as ‘hotel-like’. When you have to face reality about your mortality and make decisions related to your mortality, you should not have to be distracted by
Elizabeth Conderman, R.N.
beeping pumps or someone knocking on the door for the patient on the other side of the curtain (in semi-private rooms). “For me to be a part of this new patient environment is a once in a lifetime gift; to work in an environment where we are able to provide the best of everything,” she added. “We’ve done the right thing here.” Patients were transferred to the new units in late July. Crews are also finalizing construction of an area for Imaging equipment within the new space, providing additional convenience and efficiency for patients and staff. wcc