Addressing the needs of patients and families

The palliative care ward at Lasarettet in Motala will be rebuilt to best meet the needs of the organization, patients and relatives. FOJAB is behind the design.

The reconstruction of Motala Lasarett's palliative care department is one of several assignments that FOJAB has for Region Östergötland within the framework agreement. In February, the construction document design starts.

This is a major reconstruction and modernization of the ward. The major difference for patients will be that the multi-patient rooms will be converted into single-patient rooms.

- Palliative care is special because the patient does not recover. We work a lot on making the rooms comfortable and cozy with the help of lighting, colors, views and art," says Johanna Raflund Tobisson, responsible architect at FOJAB.

- At the same time, we must always think in a longer perspective when renovating, building and extending, so that the solutions are general and other activities can move in after only minor adjustments. As architects, we have an important role to play here, to create spaces with a high degree of generality and flexibility without them becoming bare, boring and technology-heavy. It requires knowledge and finesse.

The needs of relatives are also given greater attention in Motala's new palliative care unit. Overnight accommodation for relatives is an important part of the care given to patients at the end of their lives.

- By creating this area in the single patient rooms, loved ones can be present and make the last time worthwhile. 'We also create small seating niches in the corridor where relatives can withdraw and leave the patient for a short time but still be close by,' says Johanna Raflund Tobisson.

FOJAB has developed the new floor plan in close dialogue with the business, so that the premises are maximally effective and can support the care in the best possible way. The rebuilt ward is expected to be opened in 2024.