I have mine in a infusion bay with around 16 others, we all appear to have different types of infusions. I am only there around 2.5 hours, so I may be offered a drink if the timing is right. I always take my kindle to read and a bottle of water. I have had infusions at two hospitals the first was a lot smaller only 5 people, a tv to watch and lunch, coffee offered every hour. So I think they are all different but for me the most important thing is getting my drug, and the nurses are very good in both hospitals, just very busy at the one I go to now.
When I had my infusions there were about 10 big chairs in the ward, all in a long line with a good gap between them. There were people with other conditions, but not cancer as they were in the cancer unit. Different infusions take different lengths of time, and appointments are at various times, so people were coming and going. A couple of people brought friends with them and they were able to pull chairs up and sit beside the person being treated, and visitors were allowed (you'd have to check the policy for your hospital). There was lunch of soup and sandwiches and morning and afternoon cups of tea. Everyone was friendly, there wasn't much chat but I was sleepy from the anti-histamine and didn't really want to chat. Most people had a book or music with them, some made phone calls - it's very relaxed. The bag of medicine is on a wheeled stand so you don't have to sit down all the time, and you can get to the loo. The nursing staff were great, and I was very impressed when I had a problem because they dealt with it very calmly even though it was quite urgent so the problem was over before I knew it and all was well.
I found that the staff on the ward were all very professional, so from the receptionist welcoming me to the doctor appearing to check me out I felt in very safe hands. After the first time there you know how things work and it feels more comfortable.
My infusions are done in the medical day case unit, so there are a mixture of us having different treatment. I Have always been the youngest there and the one that is first in and last out!
They seem to do a lot of blood transfusions and IV antibiotics. My infusion is made up in oncology pharmacy once the go ahead is given so if it they are busy there can be delays starting it.
The room seats five with lovely electric reclining chairs. I take my iPad, phone, kindle and normally friends pop in during the day. Lots of free drinks are offered during the day and a snack at lunchtime.
I have my Anti-TNF Infusions of Infliximab at the Oncology Department of the local hospital every 6 weeks. The nurses there a fantastic, so nice, friendly and sympathetic . They also serve tea,coffee and biscuits whilst you are plugged in over a couple of hours. The majority of patients in this department are having chemo or blood tests related to cancer treatment so the nurses are obviously trained to deal with some people who have life threatening conditions, so I couldn't ask for a better place to have my relatively menial problem sorted. I think these nurses deserve every penny of their salaries as they work so hard, are really lovely the way they treat people and have really caring attitude. I have been having these infusions now for about ten years and would really miss the help they have given my 40 plus years of RD. I get to talk with some lovely people who are in the lot worse condition than I and are fighting cancer.
I had to have Methylpred infusions. My rheumy clinic has a day case room where all those having infusions (whatever they are) sit together and have a good old natter while having treament. When I had cancer, I had my chemotherapy in the chemo day ward. Similar situation, but a much bigger space.
After developing a huge flare, I had to attend my Rheumatoid Clinic (Bristol Royal Infirmary) for a set of three 1 gram infusions of Methylprednisolone on three separate days.
The clinic has its own bay of 6 beds all next to one another. The clinic is light, airy and staff can be constantly seen both in the office and in attendance. The whole thing was for me, a not unpleasant experience and I cannot praise the clinic, its staff and consultants enough.
I took my ipad with me and a book and a sandwich and cold drink. Nurses are great about offering tea or coffee regularly too. Some folks had friends/relatives with them, some like myself came alone. I would have no concerns about having to attend again. But I know each area/health authority is different. I am very lucky.
I go to Rochdale infirmary. New unit about 10 lovely big leather chairs, it's relaxed they have music on low, get regular tea and coffee, plus if your there at the right time a free lunch of soup and sandwiches. More importantly the staff are fantastic. They get to know you by name, your treated like a friend. Great service.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.