Meriter Foundation
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Meriter's New Oncology Unit - A Safe Place for Compassionate Care

A state-of-the-art unit focused on the compassionate care and well being of our patients - that is the core idea of a New Oncology Unit at Meriter.

Why a New Oncology Unit?

Annually, Meriter Hospital cares for more than 400 cancer patients and their families. On a typical day, as many as 16 inpatient and day treatment patients receive care. The need for more oncology space and a comfortable, safe environment for patients is expected to continue to rise.

Cancer treatment weakens a patient's immune system, leaving them vulnerable to infections that otherwise healthy individuals are able to overcome. A private, environmentally safe area will provide the right surroundings for healing to begin.

To meet this growing need, Meriter Hospital has dedicated its efforts in 2008 to the construction of a New Oncology Unit. The $5 million patient-focused design will include:

• 15 private inpatient rooms
• An air flow handling system designed specifically for infection control
• Expanded outpatient treatment area
• More space for family members to be part of the care experience
• Pharmacy and pharmacist located on the unit - an educational and support resource for patients and staff

Care in Planning

The planning process has involved key physicians, members of an interdisciplinary clinical team, and a nationally recognized expert, Andy Streifel of the University of Minnesota, who specializes in creating safe environments for the immuno-compromised patient population.

Interior design features will limit dust and hand-contact with finishes include sealing light fixtures, autosensor faucets, seamless flooring, and anti-microbial upholstery. A positive air flow system will function throughout the entire unit and in each patient room. Patient rooms will be further enhanced with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration.

"The steps being taken to improve the air quality and reduce the possibility of infection are crucial to a patient's immune system which is so vulnerable during treatment. Meriter's New Oncology Unit will exceed the industry standard for air quality for immuno-suppressed patients. For my patients, that is very encouraging," said oncologist, Thomas McFarland, M.D.

Philanthropy's Role

Major construction will begin late spring on the 8th Floor of the Atrium wing of Meriter Hospital. The New Oncology Unit will treat its first patient at the beginning of 2009.

If you would like to make a donation and be a part of this important project, you can use Meriter's secure online donation form and direct your support to cancer treatment. If you have any questions, please contact the Foundation, (608) 417-5300.

5/15/2008