Mercy dedicates oncology care center

July 10, 2003

Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City held a dedication ceremony on June 25 for its newly redesigned and remodeled Dr. Joseph Washburn Oncology/Palliative Care Center - a comfortable, home-like environment for state-of-the-art cancer and end-of-life care.

Following a blessing of the newly remodeled facility by Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo, those taking part in the dedication toured the center on the seventh floor of Mercy's south hospital building and then attended a luncheon and program that honored Washburn, for whom Mercy's oncology unit is now named.

He was the first radiation oncologist in Sioux City. Along with Dr. John Michalak, he started the oncology program in Sioux City and also worked to establish the Siouxland Regional Cancer Center, which opened in 1994. Although Washburn is now retired and living in Colorado, he is still closely associated with Mercy's Oncology/Palliative Care Center.

The major renovation of Mercy's oncology unit began in November 2001 following a successful fundraising campaign in which $379,000 was raised to pay for the improvements.

"The Washburn Oncology/Palliative Care Center offers our patients and their families many nice amenities," said Scott Wells, vice president of patient care services for Mercy. "As part of Mercy's overall mission to provide medical care with compassion and respect, we are very pleased to give our patients and their families a better place for cancer care and palliative care."

The refurbished oncology unit has introduced soft, warm wallpaper and drapes. Each of the 16 rooms, designed specifically for those facing cancer or end-of-life issues, has televisions at eye level housed in an entertainment center that also offers space for family photos and personal belongings.

Other room features contributing to the peaceful surrounding include oak head and footboards on patient beds, floor lamps, side tables and wall hangings. The rooms also have a sleeper sofa for family members to rest while staying with their loved one.

A large family room - which will be finished later this year - will provide a comfortable, private environment, and there will also be a place for family members to shower and freshen up while staying with their loved one. The unit will also include a small kitchen where family members can prepare meals.

A new nurses' station has been constructed so that it is more approachable for families. The nurses' center includes a state-of-the-art call system.

"The extensive redesign project has provided patients a much more comfortable environment," said Kathy Pittmann, clinical nurse manager of the Washburn Oncology/Palliative Care Center. "It is more like a home away from home, which is very important during the difficult time they are experiencing.

"Our entire staff has been looking forward to completion of this project. We all have so much empathy for our patients and their families that we certainly want to do whatever we can to make their lives easier."