McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture is honored to be part of bringing a new pediatric cancer and blood disorders unit for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Upstate to Greenville, South Carolina.
MPS Principal Laura Jones shared in a LinkedIn post, “this project was extra special because we could give back in a meaningful way to one of our own MPS family members. Our healthcare team pulled [MPS architect] Daniel Taylor in as a key part of our design team. Daniel’s young daughter has been fighting her own cancer battle and Daniel and his wife brought such a wonderful perspective!”
“Being able to impact the lives of the team that saved my daughter’s life, and using architecture to support fellow patients and their families while they go through their difficult trials has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had while working in architecture,” Taylor said.
Prisma announced the launch of the “Inspire Courage” capital campaign on Sept. 14 to raise $6 million for the project. Around $3.8 million has already been raised for the campaign, including a $1 million gift from Hogs for the Cause, a nonprofit barbecue competition and festival based in New Orleans.
Rendering by McMillan Pazdan Smith
The new unit will provide more treatment space for children and adolescents with cancer, bleeding disorders and sickle cell disease. It will also offer comfort and support to the patients and their loved ones, who may spend up to weeks at the hospital.
The MPS healthcare design team worked closely with the hospital staff, patient families and stakeholders to create a space that will blend family care with clinical care, helping reduce stress and offer a positive healing environment.
Some of the key design features of the new unit include:
- Nine inpatient rooms with in-room desks for parents to work remotely.
- An expanded playroom.
- A respite space for parents and caregivers.
- A two-room suite for families.
- A day-stay room with infusion chairs.
Key design details such as the placement of beds and addition of the playroom and respite spaces all incorporated specific feedback from patient’s families.
Construction of the new unit is slated to begin in early 2024 and will take approximately two years to complete. We are excited to see this project come to life and make a difference for the children and families who need it most!
If you would like to learn more about the “Inspire Courage” campaign or this project, check out the recent news coverage.