Hancock Health has expanded its outpatient infusion services with a dedicated center designed to provide a broad range of specialty treatments in a comfortable setting close to home.
Infusion therapy delivers medications directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. In some cases, this approach allows medications to work more effectively than oral treatments. Infusion therapy is commonly used for chemotherapy, antibiotics, biologic medications, hydration therapy, and other specialized treatments. Depending on the patient’s care plan, infusion sessions may last from one hour to several hours.
The center, located within the Professional Building at Hancock Health, provides non-chemotherapy infusions for a wide range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, anemia, Crohn’s disease, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, multiple sclerosis, migraines, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid eye disease, and infections requiring IV antibiotics. The expansion allows more patients to receive complex infusion treatments locally rather than traveling outside the community.
“Expanding our infusion services allows more patients to receive advanced treatments close to home,” said Dr. Julia Compton, Vice President, Oncology Service Line at Hancock Health. “For many patients who require ongoing infusions, traveling long distances can add stress and delay care. This center helps ensure patients in our community can access the therapies they need in a comfortable, convenient setting.”
Hancock Health’s infusion center is designed to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients receiving treatment. Each patient receives care in a private treatment station staffed by experienced infusion nurses who specialize in the safe delivery of IV medications and therapies.
Patients have access to amenities that help make treatment visits more comfortable, including Wi-Fi, television, warm blankets, and beverages. Guests are welcome to accompany patients during treatment, and patients may bring personal comfort items such as headphones, tablets, or snacks.
Pharmacy staff are also part of the care team and may meet with patients to review medications and answer questions related to treatment.
In addition to non-oncology infusions, Hancock Health continues to provide comprehensive cancer services through a collaborative care model that includes medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and multidisciplinary tumor boards. This approach helps ensure coordinated treatment planning and clear communication with referring providers.
The health system’s Oncology Navigation program is designed to help patients move quickly from suspected diagnosis to treatment planning. When cancer is suspected based on imaging or laboratory findings, oncology specialists are often able to provide same-week consultations to help patients begin the next steps in their care.
In addition to expanded infusion services, Hancock Health’s radiation oncology program now offers low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis. This evidence-based treatment option is now a treatment for patients with osteoarthritis as another way to relieve pain affecting major joints. This treatment is used for patients who would like to delay surgery or who want additional non-operative treatment options outside of NSAIDs and injections. It is such a low dose treatment that it does not cause any issues with future surgeries or even injections if desired in the future.Patients and providers interested in learning more about infusion services or treatment options can contact Hancock Health for additional information.
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