Partnering to Build a Better Patient Experience
By Rae Sawyer
Family Advisor, Patient and Family Advisory Council
If you have traveled along McKinley Drive during the past two years, you have noticed the beautiful new building emerging across from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Outpatient Center at the McKinley campus. A curved, pedestrian bridge now connects the outpatient center to the new Moffitt McKinley Hospital.
I joined a group of patient and family advisors that had the privilege of participating in the planning and design process for the new hospital. This began with the “imagination” phase where we collaborated with architects, designers, and the health care professionals who would be working in the facility, to decide what would represent an optimal inpatient, surgical experience for Moffitt patients. And what a fascinating experience it has been!
Patient and family advisors have given input into every phase of the design process with an emphasis on prioritizing the comfort of patients and families. We participated in the design of inpatient smart rooms that are controlled through tablets. We assisted with selecting specific locations for patient parking in the garage. We also advocated for family resources to be included, such as laundry facilities, small private lounges and a spiritual room for quiet reflection.
The construction team has included patient and family advisors the entire way. We were there for the groundbreaking ceremonies. We signed the last beam when the building topped out. Most recently, we had a private tour of the facility to assess progress.
The essence of the new hospital reflects the guiding principles of Moffitt Cancer Center: a welcoming, patient and family-centered, state-of-the-art facility. The patient experience is a primary focus at Moffitt and the goal is always to provide world-class, compassionate and connected care to patients and families. I continue to be amazed by the attention given to the input from patient and family advisors — we are seeing our suggestions incorporated into this spectacular new facility!
Do you have feedback to give as a patient or caregiver? To learn more about the Patient and Family Advisory Program, please email PatientAdvisors@Moffitt.org or call 813-745-2963.