Pediatric Infusions and Central Line Services

Confluence Health Hospital (CHH) | Central Campus
Second floor of main hospital (rooms 2236–2241)

What to Expect and How to Prepare

What is an Infusion?

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 Ellen McCleery, 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.