Cancer Center remodel doubles patient accommodations

When the first sketch of the upcoming addition to Great Bends Heartland Cancer Center (HCC) was finalized, it seemed to represent enough room to accommodate all patient and family needs. But things are not always as they seem. The leaders of HCC soon discovered the original estimate should be doubled. So, the plans have grown from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet to accommodate patients, families and additional services. We started looking even more closely at the architectural drawings and realized that patient comfort would still be lacking, HCC Director Becky Troyer said. And patient comfort is a priority. In addition, once the project is completed next fall, new and expanded services will be available. For example, Troyer noted, the chaplaincy offerings will grow, and a dietitian and social worker will be added to the staff. A larger conference room also is included in the plans to accommodate expanded interactive televideo (ITV) programming. We understand that patients sometimes want a chaplain for spiritual guidance, and dietary services are crucial because many patients have nutritional deficiencies that affect their overall health, Troyer explained. And in some cases, a social worker can guide families to a number of community resources. The large conference room will be important to our connection with the Midwest Cancer Alliance (MCA), she continued. Its ITV capabilities will help us expand our MCA clinical trials and presentations, and the conference room will provide ample space for support groups and medical continuing education. MCA is the outreach arm of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Coonrod & Associates Construction Co., Wichita, will begin work soon; it will take about a year to complete the project. This firm will be seeking bids from local subcontractors for a variety of services, including electrical and plumbing, Troyer noted. We also will be looking to local companies for furniture and other dcor needs. The changes will be dramatic.

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Cancer Center remodel doubles patient accommodations