Welcome to the Day Treatment Center - AFCH
Welcome to the Day Treatment Center. We are located in the Diagnostic and Therapy Center at American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH) in Madison, Wisconsin. Our center hopes to make your child’s life a little less stressful. We provide patients with infusions, transfusions, and chemotherapy on an outpatient basis. Our services replace the need for a hospital stay to receive these treatments.
When your child is scheduled for a procedure in the Day Treatment Center, there are certain basic steps you can expect during your visit. Please note, because treatments vary greatly, some steps may not be included below.
What to Bring
Please bring any comfort items that will make your child feel more at ease, such as a blanket, a stuffed animal, or an Ipod. Toys, books, and games can be found in our playroom for your child’s use while in the Center. You may also bring food and drink items for yourself or your child as well as special cups or bottles.
When You Arrive
- Park in the AFCH ramp
- Bring your parking stub with you to get it stamped. Do not leave it in your car.
- Check in at the reception desk
- A Nursing Assistant will then check your child’s vital signs and weight and bring you and your child back to one of the day treatment rooms (pictured above).
Initial Assessment
After getting settled into one of the six day treatment rooms, a nurse will come in to meet you and your child. The nurse will ask about your child’s health and will prep the child for any IVs he/she may receive. A numbing cream may be applied to the spot where the IV will go if needed.
Procedure
The procedures in the Day Treatment Center vary greatly. To learn about what to expect, please call the center. Staff can answer any questions you may have. Your child’s comfort level during procedures is a concern for us. If you would like, a Child Life therapist can help with teaching and distraction during any procedures that occur during your child’s stay.
Food
For your child, who is a patient, there are snacks and drinks offered in the Center or a staff member can help you order a tray from Room Service. You may also order a tray from Room Service for yourself for the cost of $7.00/tray by calling Room Service.
Visitors
A responsible adult must remain in the building while your child is in the Day Treatment Center. If you need to leave your child for a short time to go to another part of the hospital you must inform the nurse and have a cell phone or a pager with you at all times. Siblings and friends are allowed to visit with the patient during their stay in Day Treatment if a responsible adult is with them.
Playroom
There is a playroom in the Center for children. If children meet the criteria they will be allowed to use the playroom. If the playroom is not an option, a member of the Child Life staff will help children to find ways to play during their stay.
Discharge
Once the procedure is complete, instructions will be given to you before you leave. These instructions will discuss post-procedure care as well as phone numbers to call for questions.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/14/2010
Copyright © 07/14/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6991
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