Final Phase of Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute Renovation Debuts to Acclaim
When Margaret Mahoney rang the new bell at Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute, she smiled celebrating the end of her chemotherapy treatment, and yet she was tearful, too, for all those who never had the chance to ring the bell themselves.
Margaret was diagnosed with breast cancer in October and quickly began treatment at SCI, which was in the final months of a three-year revisioning project that expanded capacity in the infusion suite from 20 to 30 chairs.
As she walked through the expanded infusion suite, which is now complete, Margaret recalled her first impression of the beauty, lightness, cleanliness, and airiness of the new space, and her sadness knowing the capacity had to grow because of all the people who would sit in the new chairs in the years to come.
“I can feel the generosity behind this project,” Margaret said. “This place is needed for people going through cancer and not wanting to go into a scary hospital environment. I’ve learned from online support groups that not everyone is treated in a place like Sletten Cancer Institute, and I’m so thankful for the donors, the builders, and everyone who contributed their time and talent to the project.”
Margaret’s husband was newly stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, which meant their family was far from their support network. Neighbors, colleagues, and their school community stepped forward. Her chemo nurse, Meghan Ratliff, was with her at every stage and stayed late so she could come back with her family to put their handprints on the Handprints of Hope mural at SCI. Her navigator Jodi Dake helped the process seem less overwhelming.
The people at SCI are “generous with their hearts,” Margaret said. “I appreciate how comfortable it’s been here in a really uncomfortable part of my life.”
Being able to pick an infusion chair – now with heating, massage and full recline function – that is near the window, by the nurses’ station, or near the fireplace has helped her. It’s the chance to make a small choice when so much feels out of control. She hasn’t needed to make use of the new private ensuite rooms, but she found comfort in knowing that was an option if she got very sick.
SCI had outgrown the infusion space, Margaret’s oncologist Dr. Patrick Tang said. So much has changed in cancer care in the last 20 years, including more cancers that are treatable, more people diagnosed, longer, less brutal chemotherapy regimens, and longer survival.
“It’s not just an aesthetic change, but this renovation improves function,” Dr. Tang said. “Having more infusion chairs is very important to accommodate the number of patients we have. It helps us get patients in and out the door, and it improves how quickly we can get patients treated.”
“Going through diagnosis is more difficult than people know,” he added. “Helping people like Margaret through is why we do what we do, and I say thank you to the generous donors who made this renovation happen. This is a major improvement in patient experience.”
Paula Olinger, outpatient medical oncology supervisor, said she appreciates how calm and quiet the new space is. She’s been part of SCI since its founding. Staff may be busier than ever, but with the extra space, it doesn’t feel harried to the patients, she said.
The SCI pharmacy was a bottleneck at times given the volume of medication, much of it custom. Now, it’s tripled in size, which also allows for additional staff. The new pharmacy has more safety features, too, lead pharmacist Kelly Rio said.
The SCI revisioning project also established a teaching kitchen, a genetic counseling suite, a new salon, a bigger lab, new offices and exam rooms, and other reconfigurations. Donors contributed more than $4.7 million to make the project possible.
