University Cancer Center, Medical Pavilion Opens

January 25, 2008December 17, 2009 950 Views Security and Safety

WESTWOOD, Kan. — The University of Kansas Hospital opened its new $25 million outpatient cancer center on the hospital’s Westwood campus. The three-story, 138,000-square-foot facility was converted from a former office building.

The design integrates all outpatient cancer treatment services in one structure, making it as convenient and comfortable as possible for patients and their families. The facility site was chosen because of its proximity to the main medical campus and the cost effectiveness of using an existing building.

Due to recent, dramatic growth of the university’s cancer program, its cancer center was relocated from the hospital’s main campus to create more space at the outpatient cancer care. The move will also help the hospital achieve its goal of becoming a National Cancer Institute designation.

The cancer center serves as a single location for services from early cancer detection through survivorship. In order to fit those needs, designers gutted the 1950s-era office building, which most recently served as the national headquarters for Sprint, and completely rebuilt it.

Warm colors and family rooms help to create a healing environment.

Providing patient privacy and comfort in a healing environment was the primary aim of the design. Oversized windows capitalize on scenic views and allow natural light to fill the building. Treatment areas have translucent dividers that bring light into rooms while maintaining patient privacy. Some lighting in patient rooms can be controlled by the patients.

Each treatment area includes a sink, mirror and a flat-screen television with a pillow speaker. Warm colors and sound-masking systems were also included in an effort to create a peaceful, therapeutic environment.

RTKL served as the architect for the project and the firm’s healthcare technologies group was responsible for medical equipment planning. J.E. Dunn Construction, based in Kansas City, Mo., was the general contractor, and Owner’s Representative Services Inc. of Denver served as project manager.