Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Seacoast Cancer Center Modernization Project Incorporates Coastal Elements

E4H Environments for Health Architecture has recently completed a modernization project for medical oncology services offered at the Seacoast Cancer Center at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire. The updated facility provides designated spaces for medical oncology and infusion treatment, allowing Wentworth-Douglass to better meet the increasing demand for personalized cancer treatment services in the community. A&M Construction was the general contractor for the project.

Working within the existing footprint, E4H completed the project in two phases so as not to disrupt treatments and keep the center operational throughout construction. In phase I, 11,000 square feet on the second floor of the hospital was renovated, creating 20 semi-private and eight private infusion bays, a second waiting room and a new USP 800 chemotherapy pharmacy to support the cancer center infusion bays with optimal workflow for the control of compounds.

Phase II reconfigured 9,500 square feet on the first floor of the existing space to expand medical oncology clinic space and patient support areas, adding teleconferencing space, six additional patient exam rooms, as well as a new area for sub-specialty cancer clinics.

Inspired by the coastal location of the center, the designers selected an interior finish palette that invokes a sense of calm through its use of natural colors, textures and light. Each patient bay contains a custom digital image of the seacoast as an accent panel. When placed together, the panels form a panoramic ocean view. Placed against a neutral backdrop and a PVC-free wood-look plank floor, the bays’ design creates a warm, healing environment. Wood veneer panels provide a natural accent in the waiting room, while the curves on decorative inserts on millwork throughout provide a soft nod to the ocean waves.

Open nurse stations allow for better sightlines and physical access to patient bays. Each bay thoughtfully incorporates both an area for staff and one for family and visitors to maximize efficiency. The staff zone contains medical equipment and storage, while the family zone contains dedicated outlets for personal devices. Patients have more control of their immediate environment with individualized dimmer lighting, zoned temperature features and window shade adjustments.