NMC Commentary
08.06.2019

Does NMC Provide Infusion Treatment?

Yes, and we have just moved our Infusion Center to a new location next to our Progressive Care Unit to increase convenience and comfort for our patients. Infusions may be one of those medical procedures that you do not really know about or think about until you or a loved one need this type of treatment. Knowing the basics in advance and knowing that this care is available here in our community can help ease your mind.

An infusion is the intravenous (IV – through a vein) delivery of medication to treat a health condition. This is an approach that can benefit many types of patients with many different conditions. At NMC, we routinely see patients referred from Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Neurology, Infectious Disease, and other specialties. Conditions which may be treated with infusions include Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, and more. Some patients receive infusions of antibiotics for the treatment of possible infections. The nurses in the Infusion Center also care for patients receiving blood transfusions within the Infusion Center, as well as those who have had blood work done and need to have their electrolytes replenished. We have nurses who have special skills, such as the insertion of PICC Lines (peripheral inserted central lines) that are used for long-term IV antibiotics, nutrition, or other medications.

Upon arrival at NMC for an infusion, many patients are making use of our shuttle service or valet parking provided by local veterans. Volunteers at our front desk are available to escort patients to the Infusion Center and wheelchairs are available. As the infusion process can take an extended time, up to a few hours, we have made our infusion center as comfortable as possible. We have three rooms with recliners and have stretchers and beds available for those who prefer that option. Each room has its own television, complimentary wi-fi connection, and its own bathroom. It is a calm and relaxing environment and we are getting great feedback from our patients. Currently, patients are seen in the Infusion Center between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday, with our Progressive Care Unit and Emergency Department partnering to the meet the needs of patients who require infusion services outside those hours.

This service is meeting a real need in our community, seeing more than 1000 visits per year. We even treat patients from out of the area and out of state who are here visiting our region. We have heard from some that they did not know this type of treatment was available at NMC and they had been traveling outside our community for care. It is always a good feeling for our staff when we can meet patients’ needs close to home in the convenience of their community hospital. Patients or providers who would like to find out if their treatment can be provided at NMC’s Infusion Center can call the center at (802) 524-8811 and speak to one of our nurses.

Hearing that patients are thankful to receive their care here at NMC is part of what motivates our entire team to provide exceptional care for every patient every day. If you or a loved one need an infusion, talk to your provider about having that treatment here. Thank you for entrusting your care with us.

— Jill Berry Bowen, RN, NMC’s Chief Executive Officer