New Special Testing and Outpatient Infusion Center now open at BWFH

In a spacious and sunny suite on the 3rd floor overlooking the Arnold Arboretum, Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital has constructed a new state-of-the-art space for its Special Testing and Outpatient Infusion Center.

Formerly located on the first floor, Special Testing long ago outgrew its space for both patients and staff. The new suite allows staff to provide patient care in rooms which have been designed specifically around the needs of each testing modality. In addition, plans for storage and equipment layout were carefully reviewed allowing for a more streamlined workflow in all areas.

Special Testing Operations Manager and Chief Cardiac Sonographer Matthew Chartier-Petrelis, RDCS, says there are many advantages to the new space for his staff. “On the first floor, there was no dedicated space for staff to leave their belongings or to step away from clinical areas. In this new space, each staff member will have a locker to store their belongings in a staff only area, including a separate bathroom, that is detached from the clinical space,” he says. “Another bonus, which may seem simple but has garnered a lot of excitement, is having windows throughout the entire department. Having access to natural light, or just simply knowing what the weather is like outdoors, is an enormous perk that all staff and patients are pleased with.”

The Outpatient Infusion Center was previously housed on the fifth floor. The new space was designed for optimal patient comfort and staff efficiency. It features private bays with comfortable chairs and televisions to help patients pass the time. Many even have wonderful views of the Arnold Arboretum. Best of all, there is now space for increased chair capacity and availability for appropriate same day, add-on patients.

Clinical Leader Ginny Grace, BSN, RN, OCN, says she and her staff are looking forward to caring for patients in their new home. “We are excited to have the opportunity to work in a new unit that is bright, with lots of natural light, she says. “With the additional infusion chairs added, we are also looking forward to being able to build our volume with the ability to offer same day infusion appointments. Our patients share in our enthusiasm and can’t wait to see the new unit.”