Research has shown that treating children on an outpatient basis, whenever possible, can promote faster recovery times and enhanced well-being. Thanks to the Cancer Institute’s Outpatient Infusion Center (OPI), patients have a dedicated outpatient facility in which they can receive infusions and procedures, like chemotherapy and other medications, without having to be admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay. (Chemotherapy can be used to control the spread of cancer, relieve cancer symptoms, or ultimately cure a patient’s cancer.) The OPI features 18 outpatient infusion stations, including two isolation rooms and two procedure rooms. The center includes a recreation therapy area and dedicated child life specialist, as well as televisions, DVD players and PlayStations at each infusion station. We truly believe in the healing power of play.
Patients who are visiting the OPI should dress comfortably and families are encouraged to bring comfort items the child may want to have close to them during the infusion process.
The OPI is located on the second floor of the CHOC Clinic Building on the right, just past the Outpatient Cancer Clinic.
The OPI is open 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Appointment times vary depending upon the patient’s needs.
Patients who are running late for their appointment should notify the OPI staff as soon as possible by calling (714) 509-3030.
Parents are encouraged to find alternate child care for the patient’s siblings so that they can concentrate on the patient’s needs during the infusion.
Families arriving for infusion treatment should park in the main hospital parking structure and park in the special “Outpatient Infusion Center Only” reserved spaces on the second floor.