Highland's first objective was to carefully plan the new facility to allow for a
flexible flow of patients in an environment focused on comforting, quality care.
This objective was met by organizing the facility around a main eight-foot wide
corridor, which is accented by a vaulted cupola at the lobby, and which adds to
the ambiance and sets the tone of décor throughout the building. The new
facility is designed specifically so that patients never have to backtrack. They
enter a spacious, yet compact, waiting area where they are immediately registered
and sent to the appropriate department. This way, patients are constantly moving
towards treatment and do not perceive the wait to be as long. The assessment area
is designed to triage patients quickly into the treatment area. And the treatment
area is phenomenal, with an open configuration that allows for privacy.
Each patient has a space with a television and curtains that can be drawn or opened
at will. Windows abound with views to green landscape, and on the open ceiling is
a mural of a beautiful blue sky with soft, billowy white clouds. And by locating
interactive departments adjacent to one another, valuable time is saved and the
staff is accessible to patients at all times. Other amenities for the patients
include a small kitchenette, coffee station, and even vending machines that make a
world of difference to those who are waiting. Overall, patients and staff are very
happy with the cheerful, comfortable and convenient facility, which is fully equipped
in every way to deal with cancer patients and those who care for them.
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