Patient Care Information: 2 West/2 West Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)

Welcome to 2 West/2 West BMT. We are an acute care unit serving the Bone Marrow Transplant Program of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). NHLBI is part of the National Institutes of Health. Most of our patients have cancer or blood disorders.

You or your child may be thinking about entering an NHLBI research study. We would like you to know that it is our policy to admit patients under the age of 18 to 13 West, the Clinical Center’s pediatric unit. However, some adolescent patients choose to be admitted to 2 West / 2 West BMT. The primary team of physicians and specialists is the same on both units, but 13 West is staffed by nurses and consulting physicians who are trained specifically in pediatrics.

If your child is admitted to our unit, we welcome your involvement as a parent or guardian in your child’s care. We strive to make your child’s stay as home-like as possible. We encourage one parent or family member over the age of 18 to stay overnight with adolescent patients.

Your child’s room

Please be aware that you are likely to be in a double room, where you will share a bathroom and phone line. Single rooms on the unit are reserved for patients requiring isolation or families needing a wheelchair- accessible bathroom. Sleeping arrangements will be made for a parent or guardian staying overnight with his or her child. Restrooms for family use are available at the end of the hall. Please note: We do not have shower facilities for family members. If you are staying overnight with your child and don’t live in the area or have a room at the Children’s Inn, you will be allowed to shower in your child’s room.

Accommodations for siblings or other relatives

If siblings or other relatives wish to stay in the area during your child’s hospitalization, arrangements for their accommodations should be made before you arrive.

NIH provides medical care for patients only. Family members who need immediate medical care will be taken to nearby Suburban Hospital.

Linens, pajamas, towels

These items are available in the treatment room, located in the middle of the unit. Please help yourself to these items. Washers and dryers for your personal use are on the B1 level (room B1N237). Ask your nurse for free tokens and laundry detergent.

Personal belongings and valuables

Space for personal belongings is limited. Label your belongings and place them in the designated area of your room. We cannot be held responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced items. The cashier’s office can secure valuables if you forget to leave them at home.

Refreshments/refrigerator and microwave

In the corridor, there is a refrigerator containing milk and juice. There is also an assortment of small snacks in this area. A microwave oven is available. A refrigerator is available in the Family Room for your use. Please date and place your name on all food you store in the refrigerator. Please throw away your items when you are discharged. Families and visitors may also use the two cafeterias in the Clinical Center: one on the second floor and the other on the B1 level.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Clinical Center. The designated smoking area is on the sun deck outside the South Lobby.

Television

Each patient room has a color television. Channel 10 offers movies.

VCRs

Portable VCRs may be available for bedside viewing of other movies. The Therapeutic Recreation Section has a large selection of movies for patient use.

Quiet time

To promote rest and a peaceful environment, all lights and music should be turned off at 10 p.m. Between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., you may use the family room for reading, games, or other activities during this rest time.

Visitors

If you are expecting visitors, please check with your nurse about proper protection to prevent your child from getting or spreading communicable infections (like colds or the flu). Please have your visitors check in at the nurses’ station. The nursing staff must screen all visitors under the age of 18.

Gifts sent to the unit

If friends or family want to send gifts to you while you are in the hospital, please use caution before accepting them. Fresh flowers, plants, or fruit baskets carry a risk of infection for your child and his/her roommate. Please ask your nurse before accepting these items.

Mail

Provide this address to your friends and relatives:

Patient Name
NIH Clinical Center Building 10
2 West - 2 West BMT Unit
10 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892

Recreation

Recreational facilities are available on the 14th floor for all patients and their families.

School

Schooling (kindergarten through 12th grade) is available at bedside or in a classroom setting during the school year. Please bring your child’s textbooks and school assignments.

Shuttles

NIH operates free shuttles to and from BWI and Reagan National Airports from Sunday to Friday, excluding holidays. NIH also operates free shuttles to and from many area hotels and motels, and the Children’s Inn. Shuttle schedules are available at the transportation desk.

Volunteer services

Hospitalization is a stressful period for the family. When you need assistance, talk with your nurse or social worker about ways to make your stay easier. Volunteers can provide respite and relief for parents patients, or their siblings. Please speak to your nurse if you are interested in volunteer services.

We look forward to working with you and your child.

This information is prepared specifically for patients taking part in clinical research at the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health. It may not apply to individuals who are patients elsewhere. If you have questions about the information presented here, talk to a member of your health care team.