Shaping the Future of Cancer Care

MARKEY’S NEW FACILITY WILL COMBINE FULL
SPECTRUM OF SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF

A new era of advanced cancer care and research is taking shape in Kentucky.

The UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, slated for completion by 2028, will redefine the patient and caregiver experience. The new home to the UK Markey Cancer Center, the 550,000-square-foot space will also house advanced imaging, a spine center and ambulatory surgery space. It’s a world-class facility built to match the exceptional care and groundbreaking research at Kentucky’s National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Patients First

When patients first enter the building in a few years, they’ll find a welcoming, comfortable space designed with their needs in mind.

The building will be home to all of Markey’s outpatient clinics and a full range of cancer care services, including infusion therapy, imaging, labs, urgent care, pharmacy, palliative care, integrative health and rehab — all under one roof. The facility will also feature expanded space for Markey’s leadingedge clinical trials.

“Patient experience is the driving force behind every aspect of this building’s design,” said Samantha O’Bryan, director of ambulatory clinical operations.

The Markey building team visited other nationally renowned cancer centers around the country – including the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and the Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern University in Illinois — to gain insights into the innovations and best practices these centers use in their spaces. The Markey team returned to Kentucky ready to incorporate fresh persepectives into the design, including modern approaches to patient flow, aesthetics and digital technology.

The new building’s design focuses on reducing patient stress while ensuring comfort and convenience. Patients will easily access the building via valet parking, covered walkways and a new attached garage. Ample green space will provide a warm welcome and places for rest and rejuvenation.

Electronic stations like airport kiosks will streamline the check-in process, with friendly face-to-face registration also available. When patients arrive, they’ll get blood work and X-rays before heading to their appointments, ensuring doctors have timely access to the results.

“That’s not the way it works at most cancer centers, and it’s not the way it works at our cancer center right now because we use several different locations,” said Frederick R. Ueland, MD, chief medical officer and director of oncology clinical services. “In the new building, everything will be in one location. This thoughtful design sets our building apart, making the patient journey easier and more efficient.”

Shaping the Space Together

Key stakeholders, including patients, families and staff, helped shape the interior design. Markey’s Patient Advisory Group gave input on everything, including the clinical and meditation spaces as well as the retail offerings and the cafe.

Advisory group members shared their views on the unique needs of patients and caregivers. They stressed the need for a space that meets clinical needs and promotes healing.

“You want to set an atmosphere where people feel peaceful and where they feel like they’re coming to heal,” advisory group member Erica Radhakrishnan said.

The advisory group suggested a hydration option in the pedestrian walkway linking the new building with the UK HealthCare Albert B. Chandler Hospital. The group also provided advice on seating options for the walkway.

“A few of the staff and faculty have been patients here, but most haven’t,” Ueland said. “The Patient Advisory Group helps us see what we’re missing from a patient’s and caregiver’s point of view.”

Designed for Kentucky

The colors and materials for the interior design are inspired by the character and spirit of Kentucky — from the mountains of Appalachia to the rolling fields of the Bluegrass.

The color palette has calming, soothing shades of blue and teal with natural wood. Each floor has a different color scheme based on a region of Kentucky.

“The colors will help with wayfinding but will also help people feel connected and rooted to home,” O’Bryan said.

Ample windows will make waiting spaces inviting and open. A rooftop garden will offer patients and families peaceful views of the garden while receiving infusion therapy.

A Team Effort

Markey’s commitment to comprehensive cancer care is evident in the building’s intentional, futureforward design. Several unfinished areas leave room for growth and the evolving needs in the field of advanced cancer research and treatment.

“This building reflects the commitment of our leadership team, our generous donors and our advisory group volunteers. Because of their support, we can offer help to everyone when they need us most,” said B. Mark Evers, MD, director of the UK Markey Cancer Center.

Radhakrishnan praised Markey’s leadership for their commitment to patient-centered design.

“It’s incredible to have such thoughtful and caring leadership,” she said. “Dr. Evers and everyone that works with him wanted to get the patient’s and caregiver’s perspective when designing this new facility.”