One of the most innovative programs of the HAckensak University Medical Center's Audult Transplant Program is the "Outpatient" transplant. After receiving high-dose chemotherapy and radiation in the hospital setting, many patients are permitted to complete their transplant treatment in an Outpatient clinic with night spent at a local hotel. The use of the outpatient clinic/hotel improves patient morale by shortening the "hospital confinement" time. This progrma also has been associated with a very low infection rate and more rapid recovery of eating and overall strength. Patients in the Outpatient Protocol are carefully monitored each day in the clinic, and has quick access to nursing and hospital care at night if needed.

Based on your medical condition, your transplant physician will decide if you may be transferred to an off-site facility before or shortly after your stem cells have been reinfused. You will be closely observed and examined daily on an outpatient basis until you are discharged to your own home. Going to an off-site facility may cause some anxieties. To lessen your concerns, we want to describe your care during this period.

Hackensack University Medical Center currently uses the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 650 Terrace Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 as its off site facility. The hotel is located at the intersection of I-80, Rt. 17, and Rt. 46. From I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike) take exit for I-80 Westbound- (Local Lanes.) To exit 64B. Make a left and the hotel is straight ahead on the left.

While you are staying at the off-site facility, you will need to come daily to the ambulatory oncology unit to see your physician, receive transfusions, IV fluids, physical therapy, and other services. The Psychosocial Counselors will also be available to meet with you as needed during this time. To receive the necessary care, it is important to spend the entire day in the ambulatory oncology unit with the transplant team.

In addition, a dietitian will be available to discuss any concerns you may have and can help you choose the appropriate diet to meet your personal needs. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for you in the ambulatory oncology unit. A daily food voucher will be given so you may have your evening meal in the off-site facility.

When you return to the off-site facility, it is necessary that a designated care giver such as a family member or friend remain with you overnight. Your care giver is there to give you emotional support and assist you until you regain your strength. A visiting nurse will be available in the evening to provide medications, IV fluids and any follow-up care you may require.

A transplant physician is on-call at night to address any of your concerns or changes in your care. Since you will be spending the day with the transplant team we can anticipate your needs or concerns upon leaving the ambulatory oncology unit. In the event that you experience any of the following, please notify the transplant hospital ward (201) 996-4495) immediately.

1. Temperature greater than 100.5F
2. Shaking and/or chills
3. Nausea and vomiting not relieved by medication
4. Bleeding not controlled by the application of pressure
5. Bloody stools or urine
6. Pain not controlled by medication
7. Dizziness or feeling of faintness
8. Burning on urination
9. Headache

Based on the decision of your transplant physician and using the observation of the visiting nurses, you may be readmitted to the inpatient oncology unit. Most of your concerns can be managed between your transplant physician and the visiting nurse while at the off-site facility.

Your care is very important to us. It is a natural feeling to be concerned that a hospital staff member is not with you at the off-site facility. We will anticipate your needs prior to leaving the ambulatory oncology unit and plan according to your individual requirements.