In the heart of Hamilton, Ontario, a transformative endeavor took shape at the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre. The vision aimed at revolutionizing patient-centered care and expanding community access to vital healthcare services. This ambitious renovation project, designed by Parkin Architects, sought to address the pressing need for advanced treatment options for adult cancer patients, particularly those battling blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.

Community Access to Specialized Cancer Care

At Parkin, we believe that exceptional architecture emerges from the heart of people, for the betterment of people. The renovated Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre stands as a beacon in Hamilton bridging the gap between patients and specialized cancer care within the community. Built with purpose and designed with care it provides advanced treatment options. At the heart of the renovation is a dedication to elevating patient care standards. The facility now boasts a state-of-the-art Stem Cell Transplant Unit, complete with 15 inpatient beds, catering specifically to patients undergoing stem cell transplantation—a crucial treatment option for various cancers. Additionally, outpatient services, including consultations, chemotherapy administration, and supportive care interventions, were seamlessly integrated into the revamped infrastructure. This design aligns with the overarching goal of delivering timely, high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

The pharmacy department saw a significant improvement, where a major expansion and renovation took place to accommodate the specialized and unique needs of cancer patients. This included the establishment of a new sterile chemotherapy suite, ensuring the safe and effective preparation of medications for cancer treatment. Emergency power infrastructure upgrades were also implemented to guarantee continuity of care even during unforeseen power outages or emergencies, always reflecting a commitment to patient well-being.

Patient-Centric Design Approach

Central to the success of the renovation project was Parkin’s patient-centric design approach, rooted in our commitment to fostering collaboration and partnerships to build better communities. The firm actively engaged frontline staff, infection control experts, pharmacy consultants and patient advocates throughout the development process to prioritize patient safety and comfort. Meticulous attention was paid to environmental controls to meet stringent standards for immune-suppressed patients, while the optimization of workflow and spatial configurations aimed to foster a supportive healing environment within the community. Through collaborative programming sessions and rigorous testing, Parkin empowered its team to navigate the complexities of sterile rooms within the pharmacy clean rooms, ensuring compliance with building codes and industry standards while designing meaningful and enriching environments.

The Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre renovation project stands as a testament to the transformative power of patient-centered design and community-focused healthcare initiatives, showcasing our dedication to designing innovative solutions that promote positive and enduring social change. By leveraging innovative solutions and fostering collaboration across disciplines, the project has not only elevated the standard of care for cancer patients but has also reinforced the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in healthcare delivery. As communities continue to evolve, initiatives like these serve as beacons of hope, paving the way for a healthier, more resilient future for all.

Location: Hamilton, ON, Canada

Cost: CAD$23M

Type: Renovation

Area: 30,000 sq.ft.

Completion date: July 2016 – June 2021