New Pediatric Hematology-oncology Clinic

New Pediatric Hematology-oncology Clinic

The 3,000-square-foot clinic was constructed in existing space inside Kentucky Clinic. It includes a new pediatric satellite pharmacy to support pediatric hematology-oncology and the UK Hemophilia Treatment Center; new comfortable and private “family-room” style IV infusion and transfusion rooms; a laboratory area for performing automated blood counts in the office setting to reduce waiting time; computers with Internet access in the waiting area to guide parents to reputable Internet sites and empower them to learn more about their child’s disease; and a private medical staff work area.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 13, 2004) -- University of Kentucky pediatric hematology-oncology patients scheduled for a physician visit on Monday became the first patients to be treated in a new, beautiful state-of-the-art clinic.

“With the new pediatric hematology-oncology clinic, we are able to improve patient care and have a quality facility to match the quality of our physicians and nurses,” said Jeffrey Moscow, M.D., associate professor, Department of Pediatrics, and chief, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, UK College of Medicine.

Built exclusively from donations, the $750,000 clinic is the result of a community effort to improve the outpatient facilities where children, including cancer patients, undergo medical procedures and receive intravenous medications and blood transfusions.

In addition, the facility includes the first outpatient pediatric sedation center in Kentucky. Currently, children, unlike adults, must be admitted to an intensive care unit for outpatient procedures requiring deep sedation. The new facility will provide a comfortable, child-friendly environment for all pediatric patients needing sedation during potentially painful medical procedures.

While the pediatric hematology-oncology clinic is now a reality, there is still much fund raising to be completed. The second and third phases of the campaign include renovation plans for all pediatric clinics.

When the current pediatric care area at Kentucky Clinic opened in 1992, there were nearly 40,000 pediatric patient visits per year. Those patients were treated by 27 physicians. Currently, with more than 60,000 patient visits and 50 physicians treating patients, there is a strong need to expand clinic space to meet the needs of young patients and their families.

“There has been tremendous growth in the types of services offered and the number of patients treated during the more than four decades that UK health professionals have provided care for pediatric patients from all of Kentucky’s 120 counties,” said Heinrich Werner, M.D, associate professor and interim chair, Department of Pediatrics, UK College of Medicine. “Efficiency is important in a clinical setting, so that patients’ waiting times are minimal and evaluation by physicians, laboratory tests, X-rays, procedures, and treatments are performed in a timely manner. Our goal is to create an environment where medical and psychological needs of children are met and where families can receive support, all in a compassionate manner.”

Fund raising efforts began in October 2001. Phase two of renovation plans will update the existing subspecialty care clinic to provide efficient child- and family-friendly medical care and support. Phase three will provide the necessary renovations to the general Pediatric Care Clinic to create a consistent state-of-the-art atmosphere for all clinical care.

“Community effort is essential to provide support for our pediatric programs,” Werner said. “Children are not small adults, and they need specialized care. Only with help from donors, can we provide state-of-the-art facilities to cater to the needs of our young patients.”

The new pediatric hematology-oncology clinic has been made possible by thousands of contributions from the community. Major donors include the friends and family of Jarrett Mynear, the Makenna Foundation, S&S Tire and Cooper Tire, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kohl’s Department Stores, McLane Cumberland, and the BLAST.