Sampson Regional Medical Center opened a special unit dedicated to providing outpatient infusion services earlier this week. This change was brought about from the hospital’s focus on solutions that provide even greater patient-family centered care. The hospital provides outpatient infusion services to an average of 85 patients each month.

“Until now, when these patients presented to the hospital for these services, they’ve been sent to units where we had resources available to provide the needed care,” said Becky Willis, Chief Nursing Officer. Willis explained that patients requiring multiple doses of an antibiotic in one day could possible receive care on more than one unit.

“Although we’ve ensured our outpatients receive very good clinical care, that process hasn’t reflected the kind of patient and family centered care we strive to deliver on a consistent basis,” said Willis.

Effective April 2, 2012, the Outpatient Infusion Center opened on the south end of the hospital’s third floor. There, all patients going to the hospital for outpatient IV antibiotics, blood administration, PICC lines, injections, etc. will be cared for on one unit. The atmosphere is a quiet space that allows for a support person to be with the patient if the patient desires. One great benefit is that the patient and family will always be sure of the location where their treatment will be performed.

Sarah Hesketh, RN and director of OB/Pediatrics, is heading the Outpatient Infusion Center. “Many of our patients requiring these service need very special care on a continual basis for their quality of life,” said Hesketh. With much kindness in her voice, she continued, “I’m so glad we have an area where we can provide a consistent service convenient to our other hospital services, such as the lab and pharmacy. It’s so much better for the patient and their families that we can serve them as outpatients, rather than admit them as inpatients when they require infusion therapy services.” Hesketh explained how important it is to provide infusion therapy services in an outpatient environment where staff can build relationships with the patients and their families, helping them through treatments and sharing their care.

Outpatient infusion services are available on the unit daily, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Sampson Regional Medical Center (SRMC) is a progressive healthcare facility located in Clinton. SRMC has served the medical needs of the people in Sampson County since 1950. The 146-bed facility offers a full range of medical services—from outpatient surgery, radiology, and nuclear medicine to cardiopulmonary and pediatrics. SRMC provides comprehensive hospital and community-based services that preserve and restore health, provide comfort, and maintain dignity for all who seek care.