An infusion is one way to give therapies to a child through their vein
by IV or a central line. We work with a variety of patients who need infusions.
Some of these infusions are:
Blood products, such as red blood cells, platelets or iron
Chemotherapy
Biotherapies including enzyme replacement and biologic medications
Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
Antibiotics or medicines for other conditions
Injections/infusions for asthma, arthritis and other rheumatologic and
chronic health conditions
What Central Line Services Do We Provide?
PICC dressing change
Lab draws from PICC, port-o-cath or other central lines
Line maintenance (flushing and heparin locking)
A central line is a small, soft tube called a catheter that is put in a
vein and extends further into the body than a peripheral IV and is therefore
more stable and secure. Other names for central lines include PICC (peripherally
inserted central catheter) or port-a-cath. A central line can deliver
medicine or nutrition right to the bloodstream, as well as measure blood
flow, draw blood, and/or give multiple IV fluids. A central line is larger
and can stay longer than an IV.
Steps for Setting up These Services at CHH—Central
Contact your child’s specialist physician, who may be at a hospital
outside of the Wenatchee Valley. Ask your child’s physician to reach
out to both
Brenda Baumeister, MD, and
Tami Clark, RNC.
If you are a provider looking for these services for your pediatric patient
who lives in the Wenatchee Valley area or North Central Washington, please
contact Dr. Baumeister and Tami Clark at the email addresses above.
Once we have discussed the specifics of your child’s needs, we will
need time (often one or two weeks) to get local care established for your
child. This process involves working with your insurance carrier, pharmacy,
pediatric unit team and others at CHH.
Once the process is established, Tami Clark will reach out to schedule
your child for their first visit to our pediatric unit at CHH—Central.
What Should We Bring for the Visit?
It's a good idea to bring activities, quiet toys or movies from home. Infusions
can feel longer when your child is bored. We have some toys and videos,
but things from home may be best for your child.
Consider packing a snack or meal for your child. At the Central Campus
of Confluence Health Hospital, you are able to order food from the hospital
cafeteria while in the pediatric unit and they will deliver it to your
room. There is a vending machine located near the lobby on the second floor.
Medicines
If your child takes other medicines and is scheduled for a regular dose
during the infusion visit, you may give your child the needed medicine.
How Can I Prepare My Child?
If your child needs an IV or has a port-a-cath (port), ask the doctor who
referred you for a prescription for EMLA cream. This is a cream that you
put on your child’s skin to help numb the skin before the IV is
placed or their port is accessed.
If available, put the EMLA cream on your child’s skin as directed
one hour before your scheduled arrival at our pediatric unit. If your
child has a history of anxiety with IV starts or needles, please talk
with your child’s nurse or doctor.
Call Seattle Children’s Hospital at (206) 987-2037 to speak with
a child life specialist who can give you some ideas to help your child cope.
Who Can Stay with My Child During the Visit?
We expect one guardian over the age of 18 years to stay with their child
during their visit. If this is not possible, please contact the pediatric
charge nurse at (509) 421-1259 at least 24 hours before your child’s
scheduled visit. Each pediatric room has space for your child and two
guardians. Sick family members or visitors should not come to the hospital
and may not stay for infusion.
What if My Child is Sick or Has a Cough?
If your child has a cough or fever or is sick within 24 hours of your appointment,
please call the pediatric charge nurse at (509) 421-1259. The nurse will
contact our pediatrician and will get back to you with a decision about
canceling or proceeding with the scheduled infusion.
Check-In and Parking
Your child will have their infusion on the second-floor pediatric unit
at the Central Campus of Confluence Health Hospital. Please park in the
parking lot in front of the main entrance, then walk into the main entrance.
The elevators will be straight ahead on the left. Check in at the reception
desk on the second floor, and they will notify the pediatric nurse of
your arrival.
What if I Am Late or Need to Cancel?
If you are more than 30 minutes late, we may need to reschedule. Please
call the pediatric charge nurse at (509) 421-1259 to discuss further.
CHH has free interpreter services in the hospital. Ask your child’s nurse.
From outside the hospital, call the toll-free family interpreting line:
(800) 874-9426. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
Thank you for choosing Confluence Health for your pediatric infusion and
central line needs.
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