Improving Care at St. Luke’s New Cancer Center
Challenge: Complicated Layout, Limited Treatment Options
For years, St. Luke’s Cancer Center offered medical oncology and infusion therapy. Unfortunately, the layout wasn’t convenient for patients or staff. Doctors, for example, were located away from the infusion area. When questions arose, nurses were running back and forth to get answers—which wasn't efficient. Lab draws, too, were performed away from the infusion area, and any diagnostic imaging meant a trip to a separate building. The complicated layout created anxiety for patients already worried about their health. In addition, St. Luke’s lacked radiation oncology. Patients had to wait for treatment from other providers in Duluth, or travel overnight—which caused scheduling challenges and delays. Everyone involved wanted something better.
Result: A Comprehensive Approach
St. Luke’s worked with DSGW Architects to create a more efficient, easy-to-use, and comforting cancer care center—one that would bring all treatment needs together.
DSGW designed a new layout, focusing on two key issues: One, patients would receive care in a supportive environment, and two, all services would be easily accessible. To meet these goals, the new center is shaped like a wheel with one front desk (the hub) as a starting point for all services: radiation, chemotherapy, lab draws, and doctor appointments.
The centerpiece of the new center is the group infusion area. Previously, only private infusion rooms were available. Now patients have a choice. The group area is similar to a pleasant hotel lobby—with all the comfort and warmth patients and family members appreciate. Large windows showcase Leif Erickson Park and Lake Superior, and the interior has a garden patio theme. To reflect nature’s beauty, large faux trees are built along walls, and as the seasons change, St. Luke’s replaces the green leaves of summer with autumn golds and reds. Icicles are hung from branches when winter arrives, and spring renews the tradition. After all infusion sessions, patients depart through a private exit and dedicated porte-cochere, to maintain their safety and dignity.
Benefits
A healing environment
Natural light, greenery, and wallpaper murals create an outdoor feeling that helps ease anxiety. Instead of apprehension, patients can focus on becoming well.
Easy navigation
For patients, all care is only a few steps away from one main front desk—no more confusing, out-of-the-way side trips. DSGW also replaced long corridors with short hallways that, when traveled, give patients the feeling of manageable progress.
More choices
Area residents now have options for cancer care. No more long waits, scheduling challenges, or extended trips for radiation treatment. And for infusion therapy, patients can select a private, semi-private, or group setting. These options give patients better control over their illness and survival.
Improved coordination
With the new layout, coordination between staff is easier. During initial consultations, for example, it's common for a patient to be seen by a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist—eliminating the need for separate appointments. Because doctors and nurses are working side-by-side, care is handled efficiently and the results are significant.
