The Betty and Irwin Helford Clinical Research Hospital at City of Hope, which opened in 2005, began a new chapter in City of Hope’s mission of bringing cures to people battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. This state-of-the-art facility allows us to provide immune-compromised patients the highest level of attention and comfort, while enhancing collaboration between physicians, supportive caregivers, and clinical researchers.
Helford Hospital is the culmination of decades of scientific, clinical, and fund-raising efforts. The new hospital embodies the medical and technological expertise and treatment approach that City of Hope National Medical Center has brought to prominence. At City of Hope, the partnership of clinical caregivers and medical researchers allows physicians to bring new and emerging therapies to the immediate aid of patients. At the same time, scientists can more rapidly implement, advance, and perfect the clinical research that will help patients around the world.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Helford Hospital incorporates the latest medical and communications technologies. The facility’s information backbone combines modern diagnostic, radiology, and imaging tools in a digital, connected environment that is enabled for “paperless” efficiencies, when they are appropriate. Surgical suites include technologically sophisticated equipment, such as laparoscopic and robotic instrumentation. Advanced information and audio/video systems allow surgeons, nurses, and other caregivers to more effectively collaborate during a procedure—even between remote locations.
Superior Clinical Care
Helford Hospital was designed specifically to serve immune-compromised patients and enable physicians and caregivers to provide the utmost in attentive, effective care. The hospital offers one of the largest units in the United States for performing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), including stem cell and bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The facility’s 144 spacious patient rooms are equipped to accommodate all but the most critical patients, making possible an extraordinary level of daily care.
Highest Level of Patient Safety
Helford Hospital incorporates rigorous anti-infection measures, such as infection control alcoves outside each patient room, an air filtration system that far exceeds federal standards, and even 
antimicrobial coating on the ductwork – all of which helps reduce the risk of opportunistic infections. All patient rooms have advanced monitoring and reporting systems for comprehensive patient supervision. The hospital’s patient-focused floor plan, which positions patient rooms no more than 13 feet from nurse stations, ensures that caregivers can continually observe and rapidly respond to patients.
Groundbreaking Research: Tomorrow’s Treatments Delivered Today
Today, approximately 30 to 40 percent of City of Hope patients are enrolled in active clinical trials – compared with the national average of one percent. Integrated into City of Hope’s scientific community and technological facilities, Helford Hospital enables close collaboration between physicians and clinical investigators. The hospital’s sophisticated communications and patient monitoring systems offer even greater opportunity for partnership between scientists and physicians, creating new avenues for advancing emerging therapies.
Compassionate, Patient-Focused Environment
City of Hope developed Helford Hospital to combine advanced treatment for patients battling serious diseases with an environment that comforts and nurtures patients and their loved ones. Expansive windows in patient rooms and corridors flood the building with natural light. Panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains and City of Hope’s lush gardens “bring the outdoors in” to patients who may feel isolated during their treatment. Spacious patient rooms, wings, and guest areas ensure the utmost comfort and privacy while accommodating visiting friends and loved ones. Discreet patient transportation corridors protect patient privacy and minimize disturbances from visitors and staff.