DiGiorgio Associates Inc. (DAI), was selected as the architect and engineer for the new Clinical Care Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Connecticut Children's Medical Center (CCMC). The new center consists of 11,000 s/f of renovated space on the fifth floor of the existing hospital and consists of 7 exam rooms, 4 private infusion rooms, 4 private day treatment hospital rooms and an on-site blood lab. The Care Center improves the experience for patients by providing private spaces and consultation rooms large enough to accommodate families as well as areas for respite and play. Elements such as an electrically propeled over-head train in the ancillary waiting room, video games and animal themed exam tables were also incorporated. Lean healthcare principles were applied in the design of this facility to ensure patient safety while streamlining workflow for staff.
DAI began design on this project in April of 2010 and the Center opened in the fall of 2011.
The Clinical Care Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at CCMC opened in 1996 and was designed to treat 35 children with a new cancer diagnosis each year, in addition to those children requiring extended treatment and follow-up care. Since that time, the number of new diagnoses has doubled and the number of children in extended treatment has risen to over 300. This increase created a need not only for more space, but a better flow so patients do not have to travel through public areas.