Phelps Health Infusion Suite Renovations Now Complete

Renovations to the Phelps Health Infusion Suite have been completed, and the public is invited to an open house to see the updated care unit.

The open house will take place Tuesday, June 27, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Infusion Suite is located on the fourth floor of Phelps Health Hospital, 1000 West 10th Street, Rolla.

“This was an exciting project that involved remodeling and making improvements to the Infusion Suite and Medical Oncology Department in the hospital,” said Senior Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Operating Officer Keri Brookshire-Heavin. “This new space will better serve our patients by providing a peaceful treatment environment. Each patient has a private, dedicated space, where a family member or loved one can stay during the treatment process.”

The remodeled Infusion Suite can accommodate more patients than the previous space could. The suite has the following features:

• Six private treatment bays with new seating
• Televisions to help pass the time
• Private restroom
• Nourishment area
• Waiting area
• Nurses’ station

“Patients can experience comfort and tranquility while receiving their treatment under the supervision of a designated infusion nurse,” said Katlyn Wachter, MSN, RN, director of Medical Oncology at Phelps Health. “Providing these outpatient services allows patients to avoid an overnight or inpatient admission to the hospital or unnecessary, long-distance trips.”

At the Infusion Suite, patients in Phelps County and the surrounding area can receive their ordered medical treatment close to home. Orders are accepted from community healthcare providers, including Phelps Health providers and those from other health organizations.

At the Infusion Suite, patients can get the following types of infusions:

• Blood
• Antibiotics
• Iron
• Remicade - for patients with certain bowel diseases, joint disorders and psoriasis
• Intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) – for patients with autoimmune disorders
• Albumin - for patients with low blood volume and low levels of albumin, a protein responsible for keeping fluid in your blood vessels
• Other IV fluids

Nurses in the Infusion Suite also can give injections and provide VAD (vascular access device) and central line flushes as well as central line dressing changes, among other services.

The Infusion Suite was last renovated in the 1990s. The renovations were deemed necessary due to the growing number of patients seeking treatments. In 2022, the Infusion Suite had over 2,300 patient encounters.

The Phelps Health Foundation raised over $870,000 from individual donors and businesses in 2018 and 2019 to offset the total project costs. The Cancer Gala and Co., LLC, also designated proceeds from its 2018 and 2019 events for this initiative.

The Infusion Suite is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The later hours allow patients who work to receive their medications and therapies after work. “They don’t have to use their lunch break or take off work,” Wachter said.