A place for healing

Mother Nature transformed Alexandria into a winter wonderland last Sunday and prompted the cancellation of the unveiling of the Inova Mount Vernon Hospital‘s newly redesigned infusion center. Though it was frosty outside, it was beautiful artwork, bright windows, and a peaceful setting inside the treatment facility, which has been newly renovated, and currently hosts approximately 50 patients a week to receive treatments.

“This treatment room is for people who must receive chemotherapy and other intravenous services. Treatments usually take 3-5 hours and it is our hope to improve the experience of the patient,” said Stacy Santos, RN, Patient Care Director of the Medical Oncology & Infusion Services who is the visionary behind this culture of compassion.

“By providing new beds, reclining chairs, retractable curtains as well as individual television and DVD players for use during treatment, we are hoping to provide comfort and distraction to our patients.”

The infusion center revamp is the brainchild of Santos and the Beverley J. Alexander, development officer who was also a patient who used the infusion center, prior to becoming an employee of the hospital.

“Before this, the infusion center was depressing and uncomfortable. I would receive my own treatments there and witness patients arguing over what TV program to watch,” said Alexander. “One lady wanted “Oprah” another wanted “All My Children.” No one is at their best when they are sick, and this redesign aims to give these creature comforts to our patients. Patients need to focus their energy on getting better and we must reduce stressful stimulus around them so they can do this.”

Local support
Alexander is quick to recognize the dream team that helped create this infusion center. The support to build this center came from The Inova Health System Gala (this takes place every May; this year it’s on May 6, Gala Hotline: 703-289-2057 for more information), The Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Auxiliary, Doctor Divyang Trivedi, hematologist and oncologist, and local businessman Randy Bender, of The Bender Group at Long and Foster Real Estate, who hosts a golf tournament every June at the Mount Vernon Country Club to raise funds to support the local community hospitals.

“The idea to update the infusion center came before Gala last year. We were brainstorming, and that was when we dreamed up the Healing Arts program. It is one that we are so proud of. We hosted a juried art show and welcomed submissions from local artists. The artwork was graded, chosen by the staff for its comfort, content and color, and ability to create an atmosphere of peace and healing.” Alexander said.

Donations to the Healing Arts program are now being accepted (contact Beverley Alexander at 703-664-7102.) This infusion center is the first of its kind in the Inova system, a model that will hopefully be successfully emulated in the other five Inova hospitals.

The interior designer for the Infusion Center was by Vicki Sullivan, ASID, Art By Design (703-620-1139, www.artbydesigninteriors.com) who launched her career of interior medical design, after spending the early years of her 21-year-old daughter’s life in and out of medical facilites.

“I realized back then, that the dingy, dreary treatment rooms were depressing and unwelcoming. And I knew there just had to be a better way.” Sullivan worked with Santos and Alexander to create the healing environment of the infusion center. “When I came on board, I found that the Mount Vernon Hospital already understood the importance of aesthetics on the environment for patients and staff. There was no selling pitch. It was simply a matter of bringing their vision to reality” Sullivan said.

The infusion center uses colors of nature, primarily soft blues and greens, since they are found to have a calming effect. Although aesthetics is important, function took precedence. All of the materials must meet specific codes, they must be flame treated, and be strong enough to withstand the potent chemicals used in chemotherapy in the event that they are dropped on the surface.

In addition, materials must be antimicrobial, and water and stain resistant. The first choice for the flooring was put aside in favor of a stronger vinyl composition tile that is in place now. The flooring needed to create the idea of a softer space, absorb sound, as well as withstand the rigors of the room.

Jacqueline McDaniel of the Mount Vernon area, is an outpatient at the hospital and has been a patient at the infusion center since 2002 for transfusions every 2-3 weeks. Each treatment takes at least four hours.

“The new infusion center is soothing and much more relaxing than what was here before. I usually bring lots of things to read, and sometimes I watch TV. Before, when there was only one TV, it was noisier and less peaceful. I have witnessed whole families waiting with a patient as they are receiving their treatments. The staff here is lovely and attentive, and now the room matches their disposition.”

“Visual arts and better lighting can be used as a way of transforming the typical medical environment into one of vibrant colors and inspiration,” said Dr. Trivedi. “These types of renovations are known to not only make patients feel more at ease, but they are also known to bolster the healing process.”