Outpatient Oncology Video Tour: King of Prussia

Outpatient Oncology Video Tour: King of Prussia

Sabrina: Hi, welcome to CHOP Outpatient Oncology Clinic in King of Prussia. The name is really long. I hear you’re going to start coming here for outpatient cancer treatment. That means you’ll visit for the day and then go home. My name is Sabrina and I’ll show you around, along with some staff members who help treat kids here.

We all know what you’re going through and we’re here to help. Here, at King of Prussia, you get the exact same care as CHOP’s main campus. It’s super convenient, you can park just a few steps away from the entrance. Come on, let’s come inside.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had to come here a lot. But, now I only come here once in a while and I’m doing great. When you arrive, Nicole will probably be at her desk. Hi Nicole

Nicole: Hi Sabrina, looking awesome

Sabrina: Now, let’s go to the second floor. Look how colorful the waiting area is. You’ll wait here until the doctors and nurses are ready to see you. You can bring anything from home that you want — toys, games, and even homework. And your parents can get their work done too. Boring!

You can bring food, and they provide snacks.

Dr. Julie: Hi Sabrina

Sabrina: Hi, Dr. Julie

Dr. Julie: Are we ready to go?

Sabrina: Ready

Dr. Julie: Alright, let’s do your appointment.

Dr. Julie: This is the raspberry hallway that leads to the Hematology/Oncology Clinic. First, we’ll see how much you’ve grown, check your blood pressure and your temperature.

Sabrina: Check out how these picture frames open up so you can hang your artwork on the wall! I’m going to hang out here for a while. Dr. Stern will continue your tour.

Dr. Stern: Hi, I’m Dr. Julie Stern, one of the oncologists here. We also have other physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses. We have pharmacists who make medicines on site, a phlebotomist to draw blood, a child life specialist, a social worker, a financial counselor, interpreters and several wonderful volunteers. You receive the same level of care here as you do at our main campus. Many of the staff are the same; we go back and forth.

You may be worried and even a little scared, but we’re here for you. Everyone’s visit is different. Some visits will be for a physical exam. Other times, you may just need a lab check. If you have a central line, we will draw labs and do any dressing changes in exam or treatment rooms. We also have a phlebotomy lab here for patients who do not have a central line or if you would rather get a finger stick for your labs.

If you need general anesthesia, that can happen in the surgery center on the third floor. After your exam or labs, your appointment might be finished and you’ll go to the reception desk to make your next appointment. Or, you might come here to the Day Hospital if you need a blood or platelet transfusion or if you’re due for chemotherapy.

Now, you’ll meet Lamont. He’s another patient here and he’s going to show you more about the Day Hospital.

Lamont: Hey, I’m Lamont. I came to KOP pretty much every day for a while for treatment for leukemia. But now, I’m back in school. A lot of kids spend a good portion of their visit in the Day Hospital. There are several bays in front of these big windows, and there are private bays. Your family members can sit right here with you. Each bay has a TV and a PlayStation!

Your nurses are all right here, just a few steps away. Some kids need to go to the radiology and sedation section before procedures. Let’s take a look. The rooms are designed to be relaxing with a big colorful light on the ceiling to look at. There’s a room with a fake MRI machine so kids who need an MRI can experience all the sounds and movements before going through the real thing.

Now, we’re going to go back to Dr. Julie. She’s going to close this out. Bye

Dr. Julie: Even when you’re not at CHOP, we’re still here for you. We have an oncology nurse on the phone every single day, including weekends and holidays to answer your questions and guide you at home. After 5 p.m., you can call our on-call oncology fellow. We certainly hope you’re feeling your best at home. If you don’t feel well, especially if you have a fever, definitely have a parent or guardian call us.

We know this is a stressful time for you. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is one of the best hospitals in the world. You’re in the right place. We’re here for you and your family every step of the way. We want you to know that we’re all in this together.