Burr lobby changes will help support higher patient volume

If you’ve been over to the Burr 0 lobby this week, you’ll have noticed it looks a little different. A redesign of the space is all part of an effort to improve flow in the area and make it easier for patients when they come in for appointments.

One of the major reasons behind the redesign is that there will be more patients using the lobby as renal clinics are moving from the Armstrong wing to Burr wing. An outpatient transitional Mental Health day program will be also launching in the Burr wing later this summer.

“Because of the increase in patient volume, we really had to look at the Burr lobby and reconsider how we are using the space,” says Anna Jane Woodman, Director of Patient Records and Registration. “To better meet the needs of our patients, we are putting some centralized registration processes in place that we can expand over time to meet future requirements.”

The changes to the space include a new volunteer desk near the elevators, which allows a registration clerk to sit where the volunteer desk used to be. The registration clerk will be able to meet with patients for the renal clinic right when they arrive in the building.

“We wanted to consolidate all of our renal services in one area of the hospital,” says Susanne Jeffery, Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Renal Program. “Clinics on Mondays and Wednesdays have already moved over to Burr 3. The clinics on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays will remain in the Armstrong wing until July, when they will move over to Burr as well.”

Phlebotomists will also be available in the Burr 3 clinic on Monday and Wednesdays to draw blood for renal patients. They will be located in Armstrong with the Renal clinics on the other days of the week.

Another major change in the lobby is the removal of the piano, which has been used as part of the music in the lobby program. It had to be moved to create more seating space to accommodate the increase in patient volume.

“We are currently looking for other spots around the hospital to put the piano as we would like to keep our music programs in place. They have proven to be popular with our patients who find that the music can help lift their spirits during stressful times,” says Jill Holland-Reilly, Director of Volunteer Services.

Other features in the lobby will remain in place, the Cancer Centre library as well as the coffee kiosk will not be moving.

“We really feel these changes will support our strategy of transforming the patient experience,” says Woodman. “By consolidating renal services in one space and offering easy registration, all while considering how our patients move through our lobby space, we will improve how our patients access these important services.”