Meeting Patient Needs
Beyond Technology and Treatment
 McLaren has long realized that addressing the needs of cancer patients goes well beyond providing the latest technology and treatment. It also includes a focus on providing support and resources to address the emotional, spiritual and extended physical needs of patients and their caregivers.
That focus is the catalyst behind the development of a Hospitality House that will complement the services of the new McLaren Proton Therapy Center on the McLaren Flint campus. The mission of the Hospitality House is two-fold: 1) to create a healing, caring and comfortable environment for adult and pediatric patients and their caregivers who are traveling long distances for treatment and, 2) to provide comfortable, extended-stay housing at no or low cost.
With proton therapy, patients are required to undergo treatment five to six days a week for consecutive six to eight week periods. Since the McLaren Proton Therapy Center is the only proton center in Michigan, patients referred for this specialized treatment will be traveling from throughout the State of Michigan, Canada and surrounding states. Further, the McLaren Proton Therapy Center will initially be the only one in the world to offer advanced functionality that promises even better clinical outcomes, so it is feasible that the center will have national appeal as well. Funding traditional hotel lodging for 40 to 60 days would equate to a large financial burden for many patients and their families, not to mention the inconvenience of traveling to and from a hotel to the treatment facility and then finding activities to occupy and enrich the time between treatments.
A Home-Away-From-Home
That is why the concept of the Hospitality House is so important. Designed for construction adjacent to the Proton Therapy Center, the Hospitality House will provide easy access for treatment, support services and other medical needs. It will also provide a full complement of activities, programs, quiet spaces and amenities to support healing and hope. Further, by relieving the financial burden associated with housing during this challenging time, the Hospitality House enables patients and their caregivers to focus solely on physical and emotional healing.
"I long, as does every human being
to be at home wherever I find myself."... Maya Angelou
A Source of Strength
The Hospitality House will create an atmosphere in which guests can become part of a larger family, if they choose. Patients and caregivers will have an opportunity to share their feelings and draw strength from one another in organized and informal settings. Or they can reflect in more peaceful solitude in the healing garden, the chapel or other quiet spaces. That special care is important when people are feeling the emotional, physical and financial pressures of a medical concern.
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