OxfordPress.com

Responding to the increasing demand for oncology care, McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital plans an extensive expansion and upgrade of its oncology clinic. The hospital wing now occupied by the Wellness Center will be the future site of the new clinic.

In 2007, MHMH launched a major two-year fundraising effort to raise the project's construction estimate of $578,000. Hospital Development Director Julie Nickell said contributions have brought them more than half way to their goal, with $198,000 remaining to be raised.

Nickell said the hospital recently launched the public phase of its two-year fundraising effort to raise the remaining funds.

"We hope the general public will now add their gifts to those of our major donors and our employees," she said. "Our employees have been such an inspiration and have opened their pockets to make gifts to this effort, so we hope the general public will answer their challenge and give as selflessly."

Medical staff perspective

Dr. Slobodan Stanisic of Cincinnati Hematology-Oncology Inc. has provided oncology care at MHMH for five years. He had been working with Dr. Wilfried Leder, who founded the clinic, until Dr. Leder's retirement in late 2007. Dr. Jamie Waselenko joined Dr. Stanisic at the clinic in November 2007.

"I think we offer a centralized location for a pretty dispersed community that might not have oncology care without traveling a lot further," Stanisic said. "But there's a definite need for space, and not only more space — but a space that is more open. We could use room for patients to stretch out — maybe bring something to do — or simply relax in a more a peaceful environment."

Denise Olthaus R.N., a

23-year MHMH employee, has worked in the oncology clinic for 16 years. As the oncology clinic charge nurse, she was one of the first to call for the clinic's expansion.

"I've been pushing for the expansion of the Oncology Clinic for two primary reasons: privacy and space," Olthaus said. "Currently, we offer little space and no privacy. Our patients deserve support space for family members. And we need to provide it."

Making the case

Richard Daniels, MHMH president and chief executive officer, said the hospital listens closely to the concerns of its patients, and welcomes the input of its doctors and staff in the effort to improve the quality of its oncology care.

"Laying out the space with those needs in mind will reinforce what is already a very positive process by the oncology staff," Daniels said.

Tammy Wood, MHMH vice president and chief administrative officer, agreed.

"We don't want to end up with a larger version of what we have now," Wood said. "We want the space to really enhance the patient's experience."

Wood has toured several oncology centers throughout the region to better understand how to improve that experience.

"I wanted to see what kinds of things they are offering — in terms of patient and family resources," Wood said. "'What does their space look like, how is their flow?'"

Daniels said MHMH had considered several possible sites, but ultimately chose the existing under-utilized wing at the front of the building because it offered maximum patient accessibility while still maintaining the clinic's interdependence with other departments. The proximity of Imaging Services — often required by oncology patients — also was recognized as a benefit.

Architect's vision

Daniels said GBBN architect Jim Harrell is working on the clinic's design. Harrell's previous work for MHMH includes the hospital's construction in the 1980s, the 2001 and 2003 additions and the newly opened Ross facility.

"Jim understands the philosophy of MHMH," Daniels said.

"A critical component of that philosophy is to provide patients with family support space," Wood said. "We also want to respect and honor the experience of the family member or caregiver who accompanies the patient. Even though they are not going through treatment, they are going through very deep emotions."

Daniels said plans for the new clinic include two private rooms with beds and a designated room for blood draws. Ample space will be provided for family and friends to offer support.

Gifts can be sent to MHMH Trust, 21 Lynn Ave. Oxford, OH 45056 or may be made online at www.mhmh.org/dev.htm.

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