Approximately 1,700 newly diagnosed cancer cases are treated at Aultman Hospital every year and another 4,000 patients will continue follow-up cancer treatment and monitoring. With the opening of the Timken Family Cancer Center (TFCC) this fall, the face of cancer care changed for the community. Cancer centers of this kind are commonly found in metropolitan areas and located on university campuses, and now this same exceptional healthcare is available for cancer patients locally.
Planning for the TFCC began a decade ago, and the dream was realized after several years of planning and construction. The 45,000-square-foot building is a $28 million endeavor funded by community support. The Aultman Women’s Board kicked off the effort with a $5 million donation in 2012. Since then, the Timken Family Foundation, along with many other donors, brought the initiative to life including a $10 million capital project contribution from Aultman.
The Aultman project team sought input from various community groups during the planning phase. A patient advisory committee consisting of current and former patients along with family members offered ideas for optimizing the patient experience, including suggestions for color schemes, furniture, artwork and natural lighting. Nurses and physicians presented feedback based on scenarios that would achieve the ideal flow of services, design of patient care areas and overall building layout.
“It has truly been a community effort. Patients were moved to tears when they realized we listened to them and put their ideas in place in the new center,” explains Tina Biasella, vice president, of Aultman Cancer Center. “Our medical teams would have mock drills to make sure we could accommodate patient needs, and emergencies and provide the best care within the planned space.”
One of the goals for the TFCC was to create a serene atmosphere that lends to a calming experience. Patients can see their healthcare providers and grab a snack or smoothie from the Freshens Café while receiving infusion treatments in a variety of different infusion suites, most of which overlook beautiful garden spaces, all with family members by their sides.
Other cancer services that were formerly located across the Aultman campus are now located in one building, creating ease of access for patients. A full-service lab, which provides lab draws and analysis, along with infusion services and a full mixing pharmacy is now easily accessible and close to patients.
Patients can also meet with nurse navigators, dietitians and social workers within the facility and have access to a patient education and resource center.
“We’ve carved out a large area in the cancer center for a patient education and resource center where patients are able to come in and have access to the internet. It’s kind of like a library feel with educational materials. Someone is available to help patients find information on their condition, nutrition or services offered, support groups or even just be able to use the computer and Wi-Fi. We are hoping patients will take advantage of this,” says Sareena Singh, M.D., an oncologist with Aultman Gynecologic Oncology.
While the patient experience is a central focus, the healthcare team leads the effort. The new center delivers healthcare treatment and services more efficiently, and physicians have an optimum setting for collaboration.
Medical oncology physicians, palliative care physician teams and gynecologic oncology providers are now centrally located in a common corridor. This allows physicians to talk more readily and determine patient treatment plans. Space is also allocated for other physician specialties to rotate through the center including surgeons, cardio-oncology and interventional oncology experts.
“Multidisciplinary approach is the key to cancer care. The concept is to have as many physicians available as close as we can,” says Raza Khan, M.D., an oncologist with Aultman Hematology & Oncology.
A committee comprised of cancer specialists meets regularly, and doctors from various specialties collaborate, review patient cases and discuss plans of treatment for optimum care. Other specialists often present scenarios in real-time with the oncology team.
“Our duty is to advance science without compromising the standard of care. Bringing doctors under one roof naturally builds a sense of camaraderie among physicians,” explains Sabrina Shilad, M.D., medical director, of Aultman Cancer and Breast Programs.
Aultman’s Timken Family Cancer Center is located on the main campus of Aultman Hospital, near the intersection of Bedford Avenue and Sixth Street SW. For more information, visit aultman.org.