The Pediatric Infusion Center is an outpatient area where children receive treatments lasting from minutes to eight hours. Generally, these include chemotherapy, blood transfusions, antibiotics, special endocrine testing, and broviac/port-a-cath lab draws. Teaching for broviac care and injections are also done. In addition, patients can come to the center on the day of scheduled chemotherapy hospital admission, start the pre-hydration and chemotherapy and then be directly admitted to the hospital.

The room is staffed by registered nurses, medical assistants and support staff. The center specializes in infusion therapy and the nurses have special knowledge of the pediatric cancers. Some carry the distinction of being Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurses (CPON), a nationally recognized certification. Our support staff helps with scheduling, telephones and insurance authorizations.

Our visiting policy is one person at the bedside with the patient. To help children pass time during treatment, we have televisions, VCRs, DVDs, video games, books, art supplies and other toys. For parents or other caregivers, we have a library cart of printed educational materials, a DVD player and a computer for searching other sources of cancer-related information.

We encourage parents to participate in their child’s treatments. We ask that a parent or responsible adult stay with your child during his or her time in the room. If you need to leave for a few minutes to pick up medication or lunch, please check with a nurse first. Feel free to bring whatever lunch or snack food your or your child might want. There are no vending machines or cafeterias in the building.

Many of the patients we treat are very susceptible to infection. We ask that you please not come to the center if you have been exposed to the chicken pox. If you are ill (fever, cough, flu, etc.), please notify the staff as we may want to reschedule the appointment.

Our ultimate goal is to provide safe treatment for your child. We work very hard to make this as pleasant as possible. Feel free to discuss your child’s individual needs with us.