Private and Peaceful Rooms are Highlight of Newly Renovated Outpatient Infusion Center at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital

Patients in need of infusion care services can now receive them in beautiful, private rooms at the newly dedicated Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital Outpatient Infusion Center (OPIC). The center has relocated to a renovated space in Suite 201 of the Medical Office Building, located adjacent to the main hospital at 5 Kish Hospital Drive in DeKalb, Illinois.

The $1.5 million dollar renovation includes seven private infusion bays, with exterior views of the Kishwaukee Garden. Rooms include televisions, sound systems and heated recliners to help patient stay comfortable during treatment.

Infusion therapy is a way to deliver medication or fluids through a thin catheter or needle, usually intravenously (IV). During infusion or IV therapy, electronic computerized pumps control the rate of infusion so that patients receive the correct amount of medicine or fluids over the right amount of time.

“Patients can expect the same excellent care that they have been receiving in our prior location in Day Surgery, but now in a beautiful and more private space,” said Leanne Brand Phillips BSN, BA, MA, CGRN, CNML, manager of the Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital Outpatient Infusion Center. “Our OPIC staff will be dedicated exclusively to outpatient infusion services. Having our own space allows for enhanced individuality in care planning.”

At Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, a wide range of specialized outpatient infusion services are provided by experienced registered nurses who are specially trained in infusion therapy.

Treatments include blood transfusions, hydration therapy, injections, IV antibiotic therapy, medication infusions and therapeutic phlebotomy. Some of the conditions treated include cancer care, Crohn’s disease, dehydration, headaches, heart failure, hemophilia, immune deficiencies, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and neuromuscular disorders.

“Many patients become like family as treatment can last six to eight weeks, and some patients have been returning to us for years,” said Lisa Ackland, MSN, RN, director of Patient Care Services at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. “Operationally, the team has been planning for about five years to bring the new Outpatient Infusion Center to life. We are delighted to offer our patients these more peaceful rooms for their treatment.”

The Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Pain Clinic, which is also located on the 2nd floor of the Kishwaukee Medical Office Building, was also renovated with three new exam rooms. The two clinics will share a waiting room, and staff will have two separate nurse stations.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 815.766.9000. TTY for those who are deaf or hard of hearing at 711.