The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics staff marveled Wednesday at the crystal-clear panes of glass and freshly painted beige and teal walls of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center's new clinic and infusion suites. The wing, set to open next week, was on display for the first time Wednesday, and officials gushed over their new digs. The two-story expansion to the UIHC was unique, officials noted, because patients played a crucial role in its design.

A committee of 12 cancer patients regularly attended design meetings, where they contributed their insights and ideas to the project. "[Patient involvement] is important because truly patient-centered care is the most important thing that we're after," John Buatti, deputy director for clinical cancer services, said during a tour. "We should recognize the team and, of course, there were the nurses and staff, but most important were the patients."

One of the most notable suggestions to come from the patient team was a chemotherapy chair, custom-made for comfort and efficiency. "[What is special about the chair] is the fit and how they can recline," said Keri Mercer, a cancer information specialist at the clinic. "When [patients] are going through infusion, whether it's through the arm or the core, you want them to be comfortable, so that was a big deal."