The Building for Transformative Medicine, with its innovative construction and state-of-the-art research and clinical space, welcomes its first patients on Oct. 3, 2016. The new facility, located at 60 Fenwood Rd., will bring together leading clinicians and scientists to promote, collaborate and advance care for patients suffering from neurologic, orthopaedic, and rheumatologic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
“This is a translational research building, which means that our world-class physicians and researchers can go directly from the lab bench to the clinic and bedside, working together on discoveries and innovations that translate to new treatments for patients,” said Dr. Betsy Nabel, president of Brigham and Women’s Health Care.
Key elements of the new building include:
All clinical teams move in before the end of October 2016; all others will be staggered. The building will be fully occupied by March 2017.
“We’re extremely proud to be opening this building, one of the most technologically sophisticated patient care and research facilities in the country,” said Paul Anderson, MD, PhD, chief academic officer and senior vice president of Research at BWHC. “The building is designed to provide as much access to natural light as possible, and an open floor plan for collaboration will provide scientists with research spaces that foster creativity, productivity and a robust exchange of ideas.”
Martie Carnie, BWH’s senior patient advisor, was involved in the planning and design of the building from the beginning, sharing insights from the patient and family perspective with building architects. “To address the needs of patients with cognitive concerns and limited mobility issues, front desks in patient waiting areas were designed for eye level contact whether patients are standing, sitting in a wheel chair or on a stretcher. Clear signage has been implemented and colors are designed to be calm and soothing. It’s important to know that the patient and family voice was incorporated,” said Carnie.
The Building for Transformative Medicine cost $475 million to build, and was supported in part by philanthropy. “We’re extremely grateful to all of our generous donors who helped make this building possible. It will allow the Brigham to build on its excellence in patient-centered, comprehensive and compassionate care while advancing the pace of research and discovery,” said Sue Rapple, chief development officer and senior vice president at BWHC.
Key vendors/partners:
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