MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital opens new inpatient and outpatient unit

The 25,664 square-foot inpatient and outpatient unit consolidates pediatric treatment services on one floor with patient amenities, which is a first for pediatric oncology in the Houston area. It features 35 private inpatient rooms with sleeper sofas and customisable lighting feature, nine rooms for intermediate and intensive care, Infusion suite with four treatment chairs and 11 private beds, 24/7 welcome desk for enhanced customer service and security, and a dedicated pediatric pharmacy. The unit also includes a laundry room for patients and families, a state-of-the-art classroom, child life play areas, Teen room, and Ronald McDonald Family Room areas.

Patients and family caregivers worked alongside architects and hospital staff in designing the floor. Everything from pod names that reflect favourite nature scenes and earth-tone colours to furniture and room layouts have been chosen by patients.

The new floor is more than double the size of the previous space and houses outpatient treatment areas and private inpatient rooms, stem cell transplantation and intensive care services in one place. The new design offers seamless transition for patients who may need specialised services such as intensive or intermediate care, without having to change floors or even rooms. The space also enables outpatients and inpatients to interact in a more secure environment with one another and participate more easily in the hospital’s accredited school program and other activities.

The space features various fun elements for patients, such as customised LED lighting and gaming systems in the patient rooms, a classroom using SMART board technology and interactive distance learning. Hoglund Foundation PediDome, a recreational area, is a notable element of the unit with a teen room, activity room and the Vara Martin Daniel Children’s Play Park. The floor also has its own pharmacy and family laundry area for added convenience.

Ronald McDonald Family Room of the unit has been expanded in an on-site partnership with Ronald McDonald House Houston. It features an intensive care waiting area with an aquarium, two sleep rooms for caregivers, a family lounge, and kitchen.