Chemo and Hemo - Can these services be provided in same room

[apollo99x]

We have been asked by one of our facilities to allow the Oncology clinic utilize part of our dialysis unit to provide chemotherapy treatments at same time we are providing hemodialysis treatments. Our concerns with this are:
1. Dialysis pts risk of exposure to chemo agents
2. With dialysis pts having a high incidence of Hep C and staph infections in our environment (prison) we are concerned with infection control issues considering the immunocompromised state of chemo patients.
3. Possibly having to subject our staff and patients to monitoring and testing as is done for chemo nurses and staff

Has anyone ever heard of chemo and dialysis being provided in same unit. It just doesn't sound like the ideal plan to me...

[awheat]

I cannot see the governing agency that regulates dialysis for your state allowing this to occur. Is it a matter of supervision that is the problem (killing two birds with one stone, or should I say two treatments with one guard?). Does not sound like a good idea to myself either.

[FamiliesProsper]

This is crazy! You are a valid concern; especially #2 above! These 2 groups should NOT be put together where the chance of HepC, Staph, MSRA etc can be carried so easily. I'm NOT concerned about #1 as the chemo agents are reconstituted in pharmacy under a hood and the administration is very low exposure. When I started Oncology - 1978 - we were mixing the agents on the unit without ANY precautions! OH GOSH when we realized the dangers!!! Anyway, you are doing a great job in protecting the hem/onc patients. Dialysis is NOT a place for them!! Perhaps the hospital can find an underutilized area more suitable! In addition, I'm sure you can find a lot of literature on the risks of infection / cross contamination for hem/onc patients! GOOD JOB WRITING! I suggest your local nurses association too!! If it gets really bad, even a note to the editor of the local newspaper!!! THIS IS GREAT LEADERSHIP! CARRY ON!!! Karen, RN, MN