Phillips Family Cancer Center Offers Holistic Approach To Healthcare

As healthcare facilities are moving away from stark, clinical interiors to more functional, aesthetically comfortable spaces, cancer centers are following suit with particular emphasis on holistic approach to care of the mind and the body. Southampton’s The Phillips Family Cancer Center (a dynamic collaboration between Stony Brook Medicine, The Southampton Hospital Association and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital) is a perfect example of this osmosis, delivering comprehensive cancer treatments in a state- of-the-art, patient-centered environment.

“Our cutting-edge cancer center offers fresh hope and much-needed convenience to our community,” says Kenneth B. Wright, chairman of The Southampton Hospital Association. “Now, East End patients, their families and caregivers have world-class cancer care right here, close to home.” The project’s local lens informed its design direction. The 13,800-square- foot center was designed by Blaze Makoid, who took inspiration from the property’s historic potato barn pedigree.

“We wanted to create a welcoming environment for patients undergoing demanding treatment with the goal of the space not feeling like a hospital, as much as possible,” explains Makoid. “By creating a patient entry at both levels of the building, we provide a very short, direct route to your service, unlike the rabbit warren experience patients so often see. This small step alone can help to decrease anxiety and increase a feeling of control.”

As a result, patients and families are cared for in private and shared treatment spaces featuring murals of soothing East End beach scenes. Chemotherapy treatment rooms overlook organic gardens and landscapes supervised by Edwina von Gal of Perfect Earth Project and Christopher LaGuardia of LaGuardia Design Group. “The infusion area is a vaulted story and a half tall. It’s spacious,” adds Makoid. “The entire rear wall of the space is glass looking into the treetops. Each treatment room has its own large window and skylight for natural light and views to either the trees or the garden.”

Aesthetics aside, in addition to radiation and oncology treatments, the center offers free classes, workshops, support groups and services such as yoga, meditation and group therapy to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event for the patient and the patient’s family and friends,” says Jessica Swiatocha, FNP-BC, MSN, manager of wellness and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and cardiology NP Services at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. “Our goal is to provide a broad spectrum of programs, classes and groups that will deliver support throughout every stage of the cancer journey to help enhance healing by improving mind and body strength, as well as overall well-being.” 740 County Road 39A, Southampton, southampton.