New Roswell Park ICU Unites State-of-the-Art Technology, Patient-Centered Design

Highlights of Intensive Care Unit include cutting-edge medical equipment, efficient use of space, natural design motifs

BUFFALO, NY — At a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center unveiled a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that unites state-of-the-art technology with patient-centered design to support optimal care for those patients with the most sensitive medical needs. The design of the relocated unit was based on industry best practices and extensive input from Roswell Park’s clinical-operations team.

“The needs of our patients and their families guided this process from beginning to end,” said Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, President and CEO. “We invested the time and effort to create a space that is calming and attractive, but also incorporates cutting-edge equipment and strategic design to enhance our ability to provide care effectively and efficiently. These features are essential extensions of the skill and the caring that our clinical staff provide, and great care can only happen when all these elements are present.”

The 8,000-square-foot unit, located on the eighth floor of Roswell Park’s main building, is 40 percent larger than Roswell Park’s existing ICU to accommodate for anticipated future growth.

The unit’s interior, designed by Laura Shoemaker, Senior Planner in Roswell Park’s Facilities and Planning Department, features natural motifs in warm, soothing earth tones, with circle and arc themes repeated throughout the space to convey connectedness and comfort. And, in accordance with New York State Department of Health requirements, each patient room features natural lighting, from large windows looking out on views of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and downtown Buffalo.

The design also allows improved sight lines for enhanced visual monitoring of patients.

“Safety, adaptability and efficiency are the keys to this beautiful unit,” noted Maureen Kelly, RN, MS, Chief Nursing Officer. “From the multifunctional modular boom units and automated lifts to the accessible floor plan and zoned lighting design, every element of this ICU allows staff to work quickly but also anticipates the need for a high degree of attention and monitoring so we can provide the best care for our sickest patients.”

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Dr. Trump thanked several Roswell Park staff members for their role in the planning and renovation of the ICU space, among them Kelly; Ian Cohen, MD, Clinical Chief; Brian Braun, Executive Director for Clinical Projects/Product Lines; Maggie Coyne, RN, MS, Director of Patient Care Services; April Meyer, RN, BSN, ICU Head Nurse; Jim Constantin, Director of Planning; Janet Faulhaber, Senior Project Administrator; Craig Coyne, Facilities Planner; and Shoemaker.

The mission of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. Roswell Park, founded in 1898, was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. The Institute is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit Roswell Park’s website at http://www.roswellpark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or email AskRoswell@Roswellpark.org.
 

Media Contact

Annie Deck-Miller, Senior Media Relations Manager
716-845-8593; annie.deck-miller@roswellpark.org