“They made it a very simple process and that’s key.”

– Christian Micor

 

“When you go to a hospital you expect to stand in a long line to register.  You expect a trying time.  The Wilmette Center is a complete 180^o turnaround.” 

 

Christian Micor arrived at the Philips-designed Advocate Imaging Specialists Wilmette Center for his scheduled MR exam.  What he found surprised him.  “When I walked in through the front doors I immediately noticed a difference.  There was a nice overall ambience to the place.  The people up front were very friendly and I sensed my experience would be a good one.”

 

Bamboo floors and comprehensive testing

Christian’s doctor had referred him to Advocate Health Care’s imaging facility, the Wilmette Center.  Designed to make all patients comfortable and relaxed, the center takes a unique approach to customer service.  Not only is the imaging technology state-of-the-art, but the facility itself is patient friendly.

 

This patient friendly concept is based on the Ambient Experience – a Philips philosophy which refocuses space, lighting and technology to create a positive experience for patients as well as staff.

 

Earth-toned walls, over-stuffed chairs, private changing rooms and customized technology at the Wilmette Center, are all part of the warm welcoming environment created by Philips Medical and Philips Design. 

 

Expect a little pampering

“I didn’t know what to expect, this being my first MR experience,” says Christian.  “The surroundings were unusually non-clinical.  I wasn’t sure this feeling would carry all the way through to the procedure room, but it did.”

 

Instead of calling his name from the waiting room door, Christian’s technologist came directly up to him and escorted him into the facility.  Christian remembers, “He walked me into what I learned was a changing room, but I swear I felt like I was in a spa.  The privacy element was very nice.”

 

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MR with a difference

When Christian was ready, the technologist ushered him into the MR suite, a room reflective of the Philips Ambient Experience.  Following an explanation of the imaging procedure, Christian was offered an electronic tablet to set the Ambient Experience he desired.

 

Immediately indirect lighting around the MR equipment produced a soft glow.  Projected on the wall were moving scenes of clouds and landscapes.  As he lay down on the scanner table, Christian was handed a pair of headphones programmed to play accompanying music.

 

He recalls, “I was really paying attention to the environment, rather than the actual procedure.  The lighting and the images in the room had a soothing effect.  It definitely helped me sit still through the 30 minute exam.  I was done before I knew it.”

 

Something for everyone

Right after his MR exam, Christian asked to see the mammography room.  His wife, a nurse, had been considering getting her first checkup. 

 

“It was really something else,” says Christian.  “It was completely clutter-free and the lighting set such a nice mood.  As I left, I called my wife immediately and said ‘You know what? If you’re going to get a mammogram get it done here.  The people are competent, it’s part of the Advocate Health system and it’s a really great experience.’”

 

When it comes to patient care Wilmette Center visitors like Christian now know there’s a difference – an Ambient Experience difference.

 

- September 2007

 

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