Renovations Completed on UHC Oncology

Bridgeport, WV—The Cecil B. Highland, Jr. & Barbara B. Highland Cancer Center at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center (UHC), has been a part of the Bridgeport campus with the opening of the hospital in 2010. Since then, patient volume has steadily increased, which necessitated the renovation of the oncology patient waiting area.

“The need for this renovation became more apparent with the continued patient growth at the UHC Cancer Center, as we have become a regional referral center for the central part of West Virginia,” said David F. Hess, MD, president and CEO. “Patients can continue to expect to have access to the latest cancer treatments and care from our team of trusted doctors, advanced practice providers, nurse navigators, nurses, and staff.”

UHC design and construction teams collaborated with doctors, employees, and patients to create an environment that cultivates healing and focuses on a patient-centered experience. The goal was to create a clinical setting to best satisfy patient and visitor needs, while at the same time provide a more efficient environment for staff.

“I think our patients and visitors will find that it is more than just a refresh of the waiting room space,” said Meredith Williams, MPH, RN, OCN, director of Cancer Services. “The new look is an inviting and healing surrounding, but it is also a reflection of the high level of care provided at UHC.”

As patients and visitors enter the waiting area they will experience artwork of prominent scenic West Virginia destinations with enhanced LED accent lighting. Laminate

flooring has been installed with a design that is representative of the local topography. New wipeable furniture throughout the space features additional seating than before. For enhanced comfort, a new cooling station features complimentary bottled water for visitors and patients. Additional restroom, office space, treatment bays, and exam rooms round out the updated offerings.

“It was important during the project to minimize any disruption of patient flow. Great care was taken to isolate construction activity and preserve waiting area access,” Charlie Papa, vice president of Facilities Management said. “The oncology waiting room marks the fourth renovation project this year at UHC.”

UHC’s comprehensive community cancer program has been approved by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons since 1989.