The public is invited to join Mount Desert Island Hospital as it celebrates the opening of its spacious new Oncology/Hematology Unit on Wednesday, October 20th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. The event, co-sponsored by the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, will provide an opportunity to meet staff and tour the new facility.
The open house will include a special ribbon cutting ceremony to acknowledge the generosity of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.
Located on the second floor of the Hospital, the new Oncology/Hematology Unit will provide additional privacy and comfort for patients undergoing chemotherapy and treatment for blood disorders.
“There will be five, private treatment areas separated by curtains so patients can relax and undergo the healing process without distraction,” said Susan Ray, RN, BSN, MBA/NCM, Vice President of Ancillary & Support Services. “We believe that privacy has a strong connection to better outcomes.”
“The new treatment areas also allow for private conversations between patients, providers and family members,” added Ray. “Having a private space to conduct these important conversations is helpful for both the patient and the provider,” said Ray.
Overall, the facility will increase nearly 900 square feet over the previous department. It will include a fully-equipped nurses’ station, medication prep area and supply storage.
The new location is closer to the Hospital’s Wayman Lane entrance, ensuring easier access for patients. Large windows provide more natural light than the previous space for a restful, relaxing atmosphere.
The interior design includes new furnishings, warm colors and a television with headphones in each treatment area to enhance patient comfort. “Our focus is on providing a place where patients can relax and focus on healing,” said Ray.
The new Oncology/Hematology Unit is part of an overall plan by MDI Hospital to pursue an Affiliate Hospital Cancer Program accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. The designation is given to small facilities that meet national standards of cancer care delivery. In addition to oncology/hematology, the Hospital offers a range of cancer-related services for prevention, treatment and recovery.
Under the direction of consulting oncologist Sigrid Berg, MD, MDI Hospital oncology/hematology services are offered in partnership with Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Cancer Care of Maine program. “This collaboration ensures sophisticated, high-quality cancer care close to home, saving patients from the inconvenience of traveling far for treatment,” said Ray.”And this new facility will greatly enhance our ability to continue delivering such exceptional care for our patients.”