The Day Medicine area is where children come to take specific medication that cannot be swallowed or taken at home. This medication regimen is ordered only after discussion between you, your child if they are old enough, and your doctor or care team.
The medication is given through a vein by health care professionals through an intravenous line, called an infusion. Some children will already have a port or a “PICC” inserted by your doctor to help us easily deliver the medication. A parent or primary caregiver is encouraged to be with the child for the duration of the treatment.
You and your child will be here only for the length of time that it takes for the medication to be delivered. This may be between 2-6 hours. Before the treatment begins, the nurses will explain the process and provide more details about the medication to you and your child, so that you know what to expect and answer questions you and your child may have. Your child will be weighed and have their heart rate, temperature and blood pressure measured before the treatment starts and periodically throughout the infusion. Your child will be monitored by the nurses and may be attached to a vital sign or cardiac monitor for the duration of the medication treatment.
Once the treatment is complete, and only after the nurse has checked to make sure your child is ready, they should be able to go home.