Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center provides the most patient-focused, innovative and compassionate care anywhere in the region. An expression of this commitment to quality and excellence is a $25 million Cancer Center renovation and expansion project, designed with patients and their families in mind.
The construction project included modernizing building systems and expanding areas for additional and enhanced services, as well as installing advanced cancer-fighting technology.
The progressive and patient-centered design of our facility has earned the Cancer Center and Stantec Architecture (formerly VOA, Inc.),  the Readers’ Choice award in the cancer care category of Healthcare Design magazine’s 2017 Remodel/Renovation Competition.
For patient convenience, separate drop-off and pick-up locations are designated allowing patients to arrive and depart more easily. Over a dozen cars are able to fit in the carpool circle at any given time.
Patients are greeted immediately upon arrival by members of the Guest Services Team who are on hand to provide patients with an excellent experience from the moment they arrive until they exit the Cancer Center. Guest Services Greeters communicate with additional team members stationed at the front desk, ready to assist arriving patients in any way necessary.
More light and Louisiana materials combine to provide a southern yet modern look and feel for a more serene environment.
The Meditation Art Wall is a key architectural feature that sets the tone of the Cancer Center. Designed by artist Stephen Wilson, the 174 individual layered pieces of colorful and translucent glass convey a dramatic connection between the physical and emotional aspects of the healing process.
Special donor recognition areas are also located near the entrance to recognize the many generous and compassionate individuals, businesses and organizations that have taken the fight against cancer forward.
A new, direct main corridor connecting the Cancer Center and hospital allows patients and visitors ease of movement between inpatient and outpatient areas.
Named after T.J. Moran, a grateful patient who was moved by the expert care he received and made a $1 million donation to the Cancer Center, the Imaging Center fulfills a dream of Mr. Moran’s to have all cancer diagnostics in one area.
Comprehensive imaging services include digital X-ray, nuclear medicine, CT, SPECT/CT, PET/CT and MRI, with growth to include fluoroscopy, mammography and ultrasound.
The new, expansive patient-centered clinic area for patient exams and consultations includes 12 exam rooms (five more than before), and four consultation rooms (two more than before).
For greater efficiency, the expanded dosimetry area – where radiation oncologists and physicists collaborate to develop each patient’s individualized radiation treatment plan – is located near the physician offices.
Waiting time is minimal for radiation patients, but the Anna B. Lipsey waiting room offers a comfortable and relaxing environment in which to do so. The room is named in honor of Mrs. Lipsey who, over 50 years ago, was one of the Cancer Center’s founders and served as a volunteer board member for many years.
Presenting beauty to patients while waiting, patients and family members can reflect on the artwork created by regional artists to help decrease anxiety, one component of our multi-faceted Healing Arts Program for both patients and the public.
A special procedure area was added to enhance patient privacy and comfort, providing close proximity to the CT scanner and dedicated nursing staff.
Revolutionary cancer radiation therapy is provided by the Elekta Versa HD technology. We are one of the first in North America with this machine.
Gamma Knife Icon is also available at the Cancer Center. It is a noninvasive and innovative radiosurgery technology for the treatment of primary brain tumors, brain metastases and other central nervous system conditions.
Three additional radiation therapy machines all with specific technologies for fighting cancer:Â Elekta Infinity, TomoTherapy and Novalis BrainLab.
With a simple and convenient registration process, patients visit this area to register on the initial visit with no need to return.
The quiet and comfortable overlook provides family members and caregivers a place to relax and look out into the Atrium from an elevated vantage point.
The high-tech Rathbone Conference Room, named after Dr. M.J. Rathbone, a longtime board member and one of the original founders, offers a progressive environment for our collaborative physician multidisciplinary care teams.
Multidisciplinary Care (MDC) Teams enhance outcomes by collaborating to ensure cancers are managed from every angle. Teams target the most common and aggressive cancers: colorectal, head & neck, skin and lung.
The Meditation Room offers quiet space for reflection. Patients, family members and staff can visit this peaceful room, located behind the Meditation Art Wall, whenever they feel the need. The art wall is experienced intimately in this serene setting.
The Legacy Wall captures the history and key milestones of Mary Bird Perkins’ contributions to cancer care in the community. Also, on this wall are listed the Cancer Center’s key fundraising campaigns throughout the last four decades and those who contributed to their success.
The adjacent wall is a tribute to our team members who have given generously in so many ways, including Partners of Hope – our annual employee giving campaign.
Dedicated space for patients with cancer and their families to enhanced quality of life. Palliative care focuses on cancer prevention and treatment, as well as managing the psychological, physical, social and spiritual side effects that result from the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Genetic counseling and testing services are available for people who have an increased risk for cancer, based on family history. Based on your risk assessment, we can assist you in making informed medical decisions.
Staffed by medical oncologists that are a part of Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates, on the 5th floor with expanded, functional space and cosmetic upgrades to better facilitate patient care.
A Medical Oncology Lab (on the 3rd floor) offers expanded blood draw and laboratory processing.
Managed by the Cancer Center’s clinical research team to find new and better ways to help cancer patients. Through a National Cancer Institute grant and partnerships with LSU-New Orleans and LSU-Shreveport, we are able to provide access to clinical trials to about 80 percent of the state, including most rural and urban areas.
A dedicated 14,000-square- foot infusion suite, largest in the Gulf South region, offers personalized and soothing aesthetics to allow patients to receive chemotherapy treatments in a more relaxing environment.
For enhanced patient comfort, the suite includes three private infusion rooms and 52 semi-private infusion bays, each including TVs, headsets and Wi-Fi for mobile devices. With 100% oncology certified nurses on staff, we provide the most compassionate, safe and high quality care available.
One of the most unique features in the infusion suite is having the compound mixing site as it provides a quick turnaround for infusion medication preparations.