Current Press Releases
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

New Sutter Infusion Center Opens for Cancer Patients     03-18-2008
Sacramento, CA | March 18, 2008 - Sutter's Infusion Services has expanded from its current space at Sutter Cancer Center by opening a new infusion center at the Fort Sutter Medical Building for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

"In many cases, our patients are here at least once a week to receive chemotherapy," said Belinda Fry, clinical manager. "That is why it is so important to create a home-like setting for patients. We want their experience to be as pleasant as possible."

A great advantage to the infusion center is that it is right next door to the Fort Sutter Medical Oncology and Hematology office. This adds tremendous convenience for cancer patients who need to receive treatment immediately following their physician visit.

One of the biggest priorities in constructing the new infusion center, a project that has been in the works for more than a year, was patient privacy. Each of the eight patient cubicles is separated by walls with opaque glass panels that contain images of skyward-stretching tree branches. Patients can also draw adjustable curtains for additional privacy.

While undergoing treatment, patients can sink into leather recliners - complete with convenient table trays - that were test drove and selected by patients earlier this year. Inviting views abound from every direction, whether it is the office décor's warm and inviting color palette of sage green and pumpkin with sky blue accents; the midtown cityscape visible through cubicles' large windows or the programs patients watch on their personal flat screen televisions.

Other helpful amenities include refreshments like coffee, tea, juice and crackers, as well as a hot meal if patients receive treatment during the lunch hour. A blanket warmer also keeps covers toasty, which is an added comfort on chillier days. These items are also available at Sutter Infusion Center.

A patient who only identified herself as Della was Fort Sutter Infusion Center's first patient. With sunshine streaming in through the windows, she rested comfortably with a magazine and shared her thoughts on the new space. "It's open and airy, and you can look outside while receiving treatment," she said. "There is more privacy and it is beautifully decorated."

Like the Sutter Infusion Center in the Sutter Cancer Center, the Fort Sutter Infusion Center is staffed by registered nurses and medical assistants who work closely with pharmacists and physicians to coordinate patient treatment. The nurses also educate patients so they may care for themselves at home when appropriate.

"We are so proud to have two infusion centers that offer a comfortable, quiet and calming setting for our patients to receive the necessary treatments," concluded Fry.

The Fort Sutter Infusion Center is located at 1029 29th St., Suite 690, and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sutter Infusion Center is located on the second floor of Sutter Cancer Center, 2800 L St. and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays by appointment.

Sutter Cancer Center does more than treat a disease. We care for people living with cancer and strive to meet their physical, mental and emotional needs. Through comprehensive programs and services, we support our patients and those who care for them. For more information, visit www.suttercancer.org.