Beloit Health System, Cancer Care Center

Overall, the building is an example of patient-centered design combining high-tech capability and high touch comforts. The design process began by interviewing cancer care patients to provide the PRA design team an understanding of the elements in the environment of care that truly make a difference in the care experience. Through this visioning process, the center’s design was molded, based on patient feedback, to:

• Reduce Footsteps | Lab, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and the clinic are each located close to a centralized reception area, reducing foot travel distance for patients and staff alike.
• Provide Patients with Options | 15 medical oncology infusion areas can be open or closed in response to patient desires
• Constant Connection to Nature | The building is sited to take advantage of natural daylight and provide views of a retention pond from all treatment areas. Natural materials of stone and wood are utilized as a way-finding spine, while support spaces off the spine allow patient/family interactions throughout the care process, reducing stress and improving outcomes.

The result of the design process is the Beloit Health System / UW Cancer Care Center: a creative response that enhances the patient care experience.