A newly renovated space, spread over two floors in the PMH basement, has created an innovative model for patient treatment at the Samuel Radiation Centre. With two years and $4 million behind it, it’s a revolutionary approach to modern medicine. The revamp was led by Dr. Mary Gospodarowicz, medical director of the cancer program at PMH, and Dr. David Jaffray, head of radiation therapy physics, and one of the visionaries behind image guided radiation treatment (IMRT), a technology used in 80 percent of radiation treatment machines sold in North America.

With a constant stream of new advancements in both treatment and technology, the continual adaptation and training requirements were a challenge which slowed down patient treatment. Drs. Gospodarowicz and Jaffray saw an opportunity to change the way staff of about 25 worked together, and thus enable better treatment for the 7,500 some patients who receive radiation at PMH annually. Now, says Dr. Jaffray, “the rest of the world is watching to see what we do.”

The first step was creating interdisciplinary “super teams,” each specializing in a different cancer type. The teams include experts in radiation oncology, therapy, physics, and oncology nursing, along with patient educators, dieticians, and support services. The next step was the new workspace which allows teams to work most efficiently together, and to easily adapt to new technologies.

One floor is now an open-concept area for radiation treatment planning, where each super team has its own corner. Computer-based work means teams can more readily collaborate with experts from other countries. The Cobalt Lounge, one floor away, is reserved for education, policy and procedural development, and finding new techniques. Board rooms are behind glass, so everyone can see what’s going on, and even the lunch area reinforces the sense of community and collaboration.

“Everything was carefully orchestrated to drive efficiency through design,” says architect Siamak Hariri. “Although it doesn’t look like they are breaking ground, they are breaking huge ground. This, then, is the model that can be used for other facilities.”

See the floor plan here.

Read the Toronto Star featured health special:

The revamped radiation therapy wing: A royal recovery

Image-Guided Radiation Therapy at PMH: Finely honed focus

Small touches ensure patient comfort at the radiation clinic: Anxieties are eased with a comfort zone

Dr. Jaffray’s journey from farm to biophysics: For biophysicist, inventions began early

Dr. Gospodarowicz on her inspiration and the importance of strong team support: 'With cancer, it’s more like theatre, you have to have a good supporting cast'