Photo Essay: Hospitable Treatment

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A visit to the hospital or doctor's office for breast cancer screening can be an extremely stressful time for women. Unfortunately, these visits are becoming far more frequent ... and necessary. Overall, breast health has become a
primary concern for women-and for good reason: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The good news is that the design of healthcare spaces is helping to ease the anxiety that patients feel during these often distressing visits. One newly renovated healthcare facility in Dallas is a perfect example of how patient-centered design can improve personal comfort, privacy and patient service.

The Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas transformed the existing Peggy A. Bell Women's Diagnostic and Breast Center into a place of comfort and care for women. The renovated and expanded center is housed within the historic Margot Perot Center for Women and Infants at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, the first hospital in North Texas dedicated to caring exclusively for women and babies.

"The women's center focuses on the patient's entire journey," says Franne Neild, IIDA, AAHID, senior project designer, HKS Inc. "Providing a spa-like, hospitality atmosphere that speaks to women was a primary goal in developing our design."

The 11,561-square-foot, $3 million project is part of an overall modernization of the 22-year-old Perot Building at Presbyterian Hospital. The three-phased construction project began in February 2005.

"The primary goal of the renovation and expansion is to increase privacy, personal comfort, and services offered to patients and guests in addition to decreasing patient wait times," notes Mark Merrill, president, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and executive vice president, Texas Health Resources.

The Peggy A. Bell Women's Diagnostic and Breast Center's new look and additional space is created with the use of warm colors, many natural materials, and increased privacy and comfort in waiting areas.

"The stylized, progressive interiors host clean lines accented by the use of natural materials," explains Neild. "These natural materials-such as granite stonework and unique wood tones-are calming elements. Textured art glass, backed by a full height wall of stone mosaics, mimics the tranquil waterfall while satin, mirrored glass panels give a spa-like, yet organic, feeling to the women's center. The serene setting-with its neutral, soft interiors-is a
perfect backdrop for the display of original artwork located throughout the center's public spaces," she adds.

The non-denominational chapel at Presbyterian Hospital features an infinity pool and views of a peaceful garden, providing a quiet place for friends and family of patients.

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