Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital PEDS Conversion

The 10,370 square foot inpatient conversion at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital transformed two previously independent inpatient spaces into one cohesive Pediatric Oncology inpatient unit.

The resulting pediatric oncology unit has two nurse stations, play room, and family support room. The existing space previously contained 19 patient rooms and core support spaces; the renovation reduces the bed count to 17 pediatric inpatient rooms to comply with current FGI pediatric inpatient unit requirements and creates appropriate support, family, and staff areas.

The client’s goal was to create a bright, cheerful, and supportive healing environment for children undergoing cancer treatment and their families. Key design priorities included improving lighting and visual connection to daylight, using calming finishes and colors, and supporting family presence throughout the unit.

A primary challenge was that the existing unit had been constructed with anti-ligature design features and secure hardware, creating an environment visually and functionally incompatible with pediatric oncology care. Additionally, the existing room and bathroom layouts were retained to limit disruption to utilities and infrastructure and to avoid triggering extensive rework of compliant elements. The design team strategically introduced new lighting, finishes, and supportive spaces while working within fixed constraints of the existing layout and building systems.

Through thoughtful design, the project transforms a previously restrictive environment into an uplifting family-centered pediatric care unit that balances safety, comfort, and clinical efficiency.