Designing a Cohesive, Flexible Care Environment

This renovation expands and modernizes care for hematology and oncology patients in a bright, comfortable space. Located on the third floor of Nemours Children’s Hospital, the outpatient center brings exam, infusion and supportive therapy services together, replacing undersized and separated spaces that limited efficiency and family experience. Our reimagined care environment is designed for children who may spend full days on site for treatment.  

Designing a Cohesive, Flexible Care Environment

To shape a space that supports collaboration, privacy and choice, we led an Immersive Design Event with clinicians and design partners. Gaming sessions, full‑scale mock‑ups and scenario testing helped define adjacencies, patient flows and the right balance of open, semi‑private and private infusion options. The design unifies previously separated clinic and infusion functions and creates a day‑hospital environment that supports the emotional and physical needs of patients and families.  

Key Design Features

• Dedicated immune‑compromised infusion area with protective environment and combination isolation rooms, designed with positive-pressure mechanical systems to safeguard vulnerable patients.  
• Flexible exam and infusion rooms sized similarly to support shifting demand and varied treatment types.  
• Open, semi‑private and private infusion choices that allow patients to socialize or retreat, with sliding glass partitions for controlled interaction.  
• Integrated play, nutrition and therapy spaces, including a central activity area, family kitchen and a physical therapy room.
• Distributed team stations and private enclaves that place clinicians near patient rooms while giving them quiet, focused areas to work.  

Improving the Experience for Patients, Families and Care Teams

The Outpatient Services and Day Hospital enhances the patient journey, reduces stress and supports Nemours’ mission to provide holistic, family-centered pediatric care. By combining clinic, infusion and supportive therapies in one cohesive environment, the design improves throughput, strengthens team collaboration and creates an uplifting place for children undergoing long-term treatment.