With Vista Pavilion, OHSU transforms cancer care in Oregon
Expansion relieves some OHSU Hospital capacity challenges, improves access for other complex health care needs
image: Oregon Health & Science University President Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A., and Brian Druker, M.D., chief executive officer of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, cut the ribbon in celebration of the opening of the new Vista Pavilion building at OHSU.
Credit: OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks
Leaders and patients marked a transformative expansion of one of Oregon’s largest hospitals with a ribbon-cutting for the new Vista Pavilion at Oregon Health & Science University.
The building, entirely dedicated to treating people with cancer, will open for patients on Tuesday, April 7.
Vista immediately adds 128 new inpatient beds; once it is fully built out, it will expand OHSU Hospital’s capacity by about one-third. By providing a dedicated area to patients with cancer, the project frees up space in the existing hospital to care for people who need cardiovascular, neurological and other kinds of health care.
“Today marks a milestone for OHSU and for Oregon as Vista Pavilion greatly expands the state’s overall inpatient hospital capacity,” said OHSU President Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A. “This expansion will enable people to get their care close to home, instead of traveling to Seattle or the Bay Area for complex specialty care.”
The 14-story pavilion will apply a new model of wraparound care to ensure patients and families can focus on their treatment within a single building, which was designed with their input and their specific needs in mind.
“We see this building as an opportunity to double down on our commitment to transform the way that cancer care is delivered, making OHSU the national leader not only in patient outcomes but also in patient experience,” said Brian Druker, M.D., chief executive officer of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.
Relieving capacity constraint
The building addresses a critical need for a growing and aging population in Oregon, which, along with neighboring Washington, has the fewest hospital beds per capita in the country.
OHSU’s board of directors authorized construction of the $650 million building in October of 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic strained hospital capacity across Oregon. OHSU, with 576 licensed inpatient beds, has remained full ever since.
About half of OHSU’s patients come from outside the Portland metro area. As the state’s public academic health center, OHSU serves more people on Medicaid than any other hospital in the state.
The 530,000-square-foot building connects to OHSU’s existing hospital via three distinct skybridges in the heart of campus.
“Marquam Hill presents a challenging construction footprint, so we were especially mindful of the design to maximize space,” said Angie Fero, senior project manager for OHSU. “Throughout the process, we kept the patient experience at the forefront of our thinking.”
Skanska is general contractor and NBBJ is the architect.
Destination for cancer care
The building supports the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s status as a destination for patients across the country seeking advanced care.
Four floors of the building will be open immediately to patients. Planning is underway to add another 56 inpatient beds, along with an entire floor dedicated to interventional radiology and imaging. Laboratory space will enable leading-edge clinical trials to advance new therapies within the building.
“Patient advocates will work with families to navigate the burden of cancer so that patients and their families can focus all of their energy on their treatment,” Druker said. “Everything from motion therapy to respite rooms for family members are all designed to foster treatment and recovery. We are also blessed with inspirational art adorning the walls, some contributed by former patients.”
Construction of Vista Pavilion represents OHSU’s first major inpatient expansion since the completion of Kohler Pavilion in 2006.
“As challenging and difficult as overcoming leukemia was, I’m forever grateful for the strength I’ve gained from it. OHSU gave me a second chance at life, and an opportunity to pay it forward. I was privileged to be part of an amazing team that created Vista Pavilion. From the wall-size murals to beautiful views from each room as well as motion therapy rooms, Vista Pavilion will carry a legacy of compassionate healing for patients and families who come through the doors.” – Alan Lynn, former OHSU patient treated for leukemia in 2021
“OHSU’s Vista Pavilion will help more people diagnosed with cancer access the quality treatment and support they urgently need. This building will be a remarkable resource for Oregonians, and I look forward to seeing how it benefits cancer patients and their loved ones.” – U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici
“These new hospital beds represent an investment our community urgently needs. They reflect our commitment to caring for one another and ensuring every Portlander has access to the quality care they deserve.” – Portland Mayor Keith Wilson
“This innovative and patient-centered building recognizes the specialized and personalized care each patient needs and ensures that more patients will receive the high-quality care OHSU is known to provide. Cancer treatment has innovated tremendously since my dad, a radiation oncologist, moved us to Oregon in the 1970s.” – Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner