A $5.5 million renovation of the Inpatient Oncology Unit is now underway with completion expected in the first quarter of 2011. The hospital will finance $4 million of the initiative, leaving $1.5 million to be raised through community philanthropy. The greatest drawback to the existing unit is the lack of private rooms. Franklin 4, the current inpatient floor, is a 43-bed unit that offers only four private rooms with their own showers. The remaining semi-private rooms share community showers on the floor. Sinks are located outside of patient bathrooms and chairs in patient rooms are heavy, uncomfortable and need to be replaced. The overall layout of the facility is not conducive to family-centered care, and much of the equipment is outdated.
Moving from Franklin 4 to Simon 5, the new inpatient unit will offer patients a warm and soothing environment. Highlights of the renovation include the following:
- The construction of 30 private and spacious rooms, each with individual bathrooms, showers and refrigerators.
- Special attention to ambience, creating a “home-like” environment, with accommodations for caregivers’ overnight stays.
- “High-tech” features, including flat screen TVs, DVDs and wireless computer access in each room.
- Use of sound-absorbing, “green” ceiling tiles to reduce noise and lower stress.
- Better access to natural light from windows with outside views.
- A massage room for patients and family members.
- A second “quiet” family waiting room.
A comprehensive look at services throughout the unit indicates that funding must also be sought to sustain the inpatient oncology social worker, a position that has proven to provide exceptional benefits to our patients, families and staff. For the past three years, this position was funded by a private donation, which will be ending this year.
The inpatient oncology social worker helps hospitalized cancer patients and their families cope with the impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. While her primary focus is with newly diagnosed patients, she is also available to provide support for hospitalized patients and their families who are experiencing a crisis situation, having difficulty with treatment or care decisions, or facing end-of-life issues.
The objectives of the inpatient oncology social worker are to:
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assess the needs of patients and families and educate them on the range of supportive services available at Simon and in the local and national cancer communities
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offer supportive counseling for patients and families adjusting to diagnosis and treatment
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identify patient and family strengths and teach new coping skills and strategies for managing stress
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provide anxiety-reducing interventions, such as guided imagery and meditation instruction
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prepare patients for chemotherapy, radiation and surgery
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facilitate communication between physicians and patients/families