New Infusion Center Opens at CRMH

A new infusion center is now open to patients on 1 South at CRMH.

The unit is located in space that was formerly occupied by CTaC, the Health Sciences Library and classrooms. It has eight infusion bays, including one negative-pressure room to treat patients who require airborne isolation precautions.

The newly renovated private rooms offer a spacious and relaxing environment for patients to receive treatments. Treatment chairs are equipped with options for heat and massage and USB connections. Patients can exercise while getting their transfusion using either a portable foot cycle or a portable elliptical if they choose.

The infusion center offers a one-stop shop at CRMH for labs and treatments. We are able to administer high-risk infusions with accessibility to emergency response teams, and the unit has blood bank access to facilitate blood transfusions.

The infusion center will be used for the following services and treatments:

• Allergy (Dupixent)
• Bone Health (reclast infusions/prolia injections)
• Cardiology (diuretics)
• Family practice/internal medicine (Venofer/injectofer, blood products)
• Gastroenterology (Monoclonal antibodies to treat Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease, photodynamic therapy for cholangio carcinoma)
• Infectious Disease (antibiotics)
• Neurology (IVIG/Vyepti and other treatments for migraine and MS)  
• Oncology (blood/platelets/plasma/chemotherapy)
• Rheumatology (Monoclonal antibodies to treat autoimmune disorders including Remicade and Actemra)

The unit also offers the potential for other infusion treatments to be given to patients. Any licensed physician in the state of Virginia can send patients to the new infusion center. Hours are 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and may be extended as volumes increase.

"Over time there will be more approved infusion medications, so these added rooms with ability to expand hours will help Carilion meet future needs," said Debbie Huddleston, vice president of the Department of Medicine.

By opening the new infusion center, we are also opening up beds on 6 West and 10 South that previously were used for infusion services.

If you have questions contact Debbie Huddleston, Department of Medicine, at dthuddleston@carilionclinic.org.