Renovating existing space to meet special needs for outpatient paediatric oncology

Many existing hospital buildings are inadequate to meet needs caused by a tremendous shift from inpatient to outpatient care. Expensive diagnostic and treatment facilities must still be shared by inpatients and outpatients, which in many cases makes renovations to existing facilities on site more appealing than new free-standing facilities; However, care must be taken in the planning and design to make sure that existing hospital operations can be maintained throughout this work. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, an internationally acclaimed institution devoted to the research and treatment of catastrophic illnesses in children has experienced a large growth in its outpatients' care due mainly to changes in treatment modalities and the development of more effective cures. The result has been an extreme overcrowding and unpleasant experiences for patient and family due to awkward patient flow and work processes attempting to respond to the inadequate facility conditions. This paper will not only review the planning issues, but will discuss the renovation which will require several phases in order to minimise disruption to the ongoing activities.