The former Outpatient Observation Unit at Faulkner Hospital has transformed itself into a busy service providing a variety of infusion and transfusion services to patients in the Boston area and beyond. Now the ever-expanding Brigham and Women’s/Faulkner Transfusion Unit is sought by many patients as it provides a private and convenient experience for outpatient services.
Before the BW/F program was underway, BWH outpatients received their transfusion and infusion services in a cramped area, allowing little privacy for what could often be lengthy outpatient visits. Now, with BWH referrals going to the Faulkner-based unit, patients have welcomed the change. As a result, Faulkner’s volume has grown and BWH found a more appropriate space in which to deliver outpatient infusion and transfusion services that are very much in demand.
“The success of the collaborative unit can be attributed in large part to the strength of the nursing staff. Faulkner and BWH rheumatologists concur that the environment and service provided by the staff at the Center is exceptional. The nurses are professional, personable, and considerate as they provide high quality service to our patients. They are also knowledgeable about the medications and take the time to re-educate the patients about the medications’ appropriate precautions and adverse reactions,” said Ken Pariser, MD, chief of Rheumatology at Faulkner.
Care is delivered in a spacious unit in one of four private rooms or two semi-private rooms. The service provides access to approximately 225 patients on a monthly basis. During FY01, the BW/F transfusion unit provided care to 1,600 patients, 500 of which were BWH referrals. At the close of FY 02, the unit had provided care for 2,400 patients, 1,100 of which were BWH referrals.