HEALTHCARE
Morristown Medical Center Expands Infusion Center
The expansion accelerates access to breakthrough cancer therapies .
By John Joseph Parker Contributing Editor
On Oct . 27 , 2020 , a ribbon-cutting event was held for Atlantic Health System ’ s Morristown Medical Center ’ s new Infusion Center located in the Carol G . Simon Cancer Center . The first of three phases of expansion , the new unit was funded in large part by donations made by community members in support of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center ’ s Growing Forward Campaign .
The Infusion Center , which provides intravenous chemotherapy , immunotherapy and biotherapy , is a critical component of Atlantic Health System ’ s ability to provide patients with access to the most promising and life-saving treatments , clinical trials and innovations in the communities where they live and work . When administered on an outpatient basis , infusions can last up to 7 hours , during which time safety and comfort are of greatest importance . The new Infusion Center enables Atlantic Health System Cancer Care to offer more patients access to the latest , leading-edge cancer treatments in a caring and safe , state-of-the-art environment .
Between 2016 and 2019 , Morristown Medical Center ’ s outpatient Infusion Center saw a 40 percent increase in patient volume . This increase is attributed to three significant advances to the Atlantic Health System cancer program : the recruitment of world renowned physician researchers ; the launch of the nation ’ s first Breakthrough Oncology Accelerator , a pioneering research and clinical collaboration with the Translational Genomics Research Institute of Phoenix , Arizona ; and the designation as the first New Jersey-based National Cancer Institute Oncology Research Program . These three milestones allowed the cancer center to expand its portfolio of multiple early- and late-phase clinical trials .
“ We are excited to offer our cancer patients the most advanced clinical options and therapies in a technologically advanced and modern setting ,” explains Dr . Whitman .
The physical space reinforces patient-centered care by assigning each patient a dedicated team to accompany them during diagnosis , as they ’ re being treated and , afterward , into survivorship . The team and related support services are centralized , making it easy for patients to receive all their care in a single location .
Lydia Nadeau , RN , MBA , executive director , and Eric Whitman , M . D ., medical director of Atlantic Health System Cancer Care met with healthcare professionals and patient advisory groups for advice in the design process . Recliners for patients , a comfortable chair for family members , iPads , blanket warmers and music , pet and art therapy were all strongly recommended and are reflected in the new design , promoting a healing experience .
All COVID-19 safety protocols are followed , and the layout of the new space helps ensure everyone ’ s comfort and safety . All facilities and teams maintain a safe environment by monitoring employees , patients and visitors with temperature checks , health and travel status updates , mandatory masks , hand sanitizing , social distancing and strict environment disinfection protocols .
Morristown Medical Center President Trish O ’ Keefe , Ph . D ., RN
“ Because of our loyal donor support , we were able to expedite the expansion and renovation of the Infusion Center at the Carol G . Simon Cancer Center , ensuring high-quality support of our patients , their families and our award-winning clinical teams ,” says Trish O ’ Keefe , Ph , D ,, RN , Morristown Medical Center president and Atlantic Health System vice president ,
While the Infusion Center is open to support patients , the fundraising to support the remainder of the renovation of the Carol G . Simon Cancer Center continues ; $ 6.1 million of the $ 6.5 million philanthropic goal has been reached .
The new space adds 12 infusion chairs , bringing the total to 36 , which have been placed in a combination of open and private infusion bays , as some patients enjoy interaction while others prefer a quiet meditative space . Natural light , soothing colors and reclining chairs are among the features that promote the most healing environment possible .
Eric Whitman , M . D ., Medical Director of Atlantic Health System Cancer Care
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