OUTPATIENT CHEMOTHERAPY 
Welcome to Outpatient Services
St. Edward Mercy prepared this brochure especially for you, to give you helpful information that will make your visits to the center as convenient as possible. Here we will discuss scheduling of treatments, expediting your visits, lab work before treatments, what to bring on your visits and what to expect while you’re here.
We know that your time is valuable. Our goal is to minimize your waiting time and increase your comfort during treatments.
Come in the day before for lab work
Your chemotherapy medication dose will be determined by your physician, based on the results of laboratory tests performed prior to your treatment. Some of these tests can take time to process, so we ask that you come in the day before treatment to have lab work done. The lab results will be sent to your physician so that orders can be ready when you arrive for treatment the next day.
Treatment times
We have set aside convenient times for your treatments. Your physician will schedule your appointment.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday through Friday
What to bring with you
When you come to treatment, feel free to wear whatever clothing you find comfortable. Food and beverages are available at the center, and you are welcome to bring your favorite snack food. You may also bring reading materials, handiwork, needlecraft and other things to help pass the time.
Why you may have to wait
On occasion, wait-times do occur. Often this is because the pharmacy needs extra time to safely prepare the medication that your physician has ordered.
In most cases, you’ll receive some medication prior to treatment to help reduce any possible side effects. These can include oral or IV medications that sometimes require a little time to take effect prior to beginning treatment.
What to expect during your visit
- Each room is furnished with a bed, a comfortable recliner, a bedside table and chairs for visitors.
- Treatment may take several hours – leave an appropriate space in your schedule.
- Most chemotherapy is administered through an IV, but occasionally it is given by mouth or by injection. A nurse will explain your procedure prior to treatment.
- For your convenience, a nurse call-light system is in every room, and bathrooms are nearby.
- A television is provided for your enjoyment. You may make and receive calls by cell phone.
- You may have a family member or friend stay with you during your visit.
- It may be necessary to arrange for someone to drive you home following treatment. Check with your nurse about this.
Where to go
Treatments and lab tests take place in the Outpatient Services Department, located on the ground floor of the Centers of Excellence building. The entrance faces Rogers Avenue.
Our Commitment to You
We believe in the dignity of every human being, regardless of age, sex, religious affiliation or race. For this reason, the co-workers of St. Edward Mercy are committed to exceeding our patients’ expectations by delivering the highest degree of clinical care and service available anywhere.
This commitment extends also to the families and friends of our patients. When your health is affected, we realize that those who are close to you are also affected and that they deserve the same respect and service we give to our patients.
If you, a loved one or a friend would like to know more about St. Edward Mercy outpatient chemotherapy services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to serve.
Contact Us
St. Edward Mercy Medical Center
Centers of Excellence
7301 Rogers Avenue
P.O. Box 17000
Fort Smith, AR 72917-7000
Outpatient nurses: (479) 314-6064
Outpatient registration: (497) 314-6060 |
