If you or a loved one needs infusion therapy, you don’t have to travel far. No matter where your provider is located, you can receive these infusion services at Spooner Health, close to home.
What is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy is a medical treatment that involves delivering medication directly into the body through a vein or other injectable route. This provides an effective way for patients to receive medications that cannot be taken orally for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and infections like Lyme disease.
Our Infusion Therapy Room
Our infusion therapy room provides a comfortable, quiet and confidential area for patients to receive infusion therapy. It includes recliners, televisions, a private restroom, coffee machine, refrigerator and extra chairs for family or friends. Our dedicated infusion service staff in Spooner includes chemotherapy-trained nurses who provide one-on-one attention to each patient.
If you have questions about our infusion therapy services at Spooner Health, please call 715-939-1637.
Infusion Therapy Right Here in Spooner
Saving Time, Stress
“I think it’s important to have the opportunity to receive infusion therapy close to home for a number of reasons,” explains Michelle Ford, Infusion Services Director. “First, the cost of travel to an out-of-town location to receive treatments can be a burden. Many individuals needing infusion therapy are already feeling stressed because of their health situation, which can be financially difficult. Adding in the costs for gas and other travel expenses compounds this difficulty. Also, the time spent traveling can be substantial, and if you need someone to drive, it can be a lot of time for both of you. Some individuals receiving treatment may also not feel well. White they may not be sick enough to need to stay in the hospital, travel can add to their discomfort. Any time you can alleviate some of the stress associated with treatment it gives people more of an opportunity to focus on healing.”
Infusion Services at Spooner Health are not only for those whose doctors are located nearby. In fact, you can receive infusion therapy services at Spooner even if your doctor is on the other side of the country. “As long as they are credentialed to practice medicine, it doesn’t matter where your doctor is,” says Michelle. “There is no need to transfer doctors, you can keep your own physician. We provide the medication so you don’t have to travel to where the physician is for every treatment.”
Compassionate, Knowledgeable Staff
At Infusion Services, oncology certified nurses are always on hand to monitor your treatment and answer any questions you may have. “Our nurses who provide the chemotherapy and other medications are specially trained,” explains Michelle. “They take courses through the Oncology Nursing Society to learn about the standards of care and safety aspects of administering those treatments.”
In addition to our registered nurses, Spooner Health is also fortunate to have on-site pharmacists available. “Our pharmacists spend a lot of time face-to-face with those receiving infusion treatments,” says Michelle. “They are an excellent resource for explaining and answering questions about your medications.”
An Inviting, Open Space
At Spooner Health, infusion therapy takes place in an open room where individuals undergoing treatment can socialize as well as relax and enjoy a natural view out the windows that line the room.
“People love to be able to visit with each other during treatment,” says Michelle. “Sometimes people will end up coming in on the same days regularly and get to know each other well during treatment. Often, they can become their own little support group. This relationship can help make time go by faster during treatment.” Friends and family are also welcome to accompany you to treatment at Spooner Health.
There is a private room available for those who prefer to receive their treatment in a more private setting. “Whether using the open or private room, nursing staff are always right there to answer any questions and help people know they have someone watching over their treatment at all times,” adds Michelle.
Find Out More
If you or a loved one in Spooner requires infusion therapy to treat a chronic condition, Spooner Health offers skilled, compassionate treatment close to home. For more information about Infusion Services, visit www.SpoonerHealth.com/InfusionServices or call 715-939-1637
You may not know Emily Iverson’s name, but you may have heard of what she’s been doing for over 40 years: making dogs look fresh and clean as a well-established professional dog groomer. Born and raised in the area, she and her husband moved to Spooner on a 40-acre farm in 1980 after spending some time working in the Minneapolis area. Although her husband has since passed, she owns and continues to run Dog Patch Grooming Parlor; even while going through her latest battle with stage 3 breast cancer.
Emily is no stranger to health scares. In 2014, she was diagnosed with her first bout of breast cancer but chose to doctor in Duluth at Essentia Health. She had a lumpectomy as well as radiation and with due diligence, followed up every year after. Then, in June of 2021, her worst fears came true. During her routine mammogram at Spooner Health, a second cancer was found in her left breast. Although facing the unknown, Emily recalls being very impressed with the cooperation Spooner Health had with her oncologist. She had a mammogram in the morning and by the time she was at her appointment in the afternoon, her doctor had clear results. The mammogram showed cancer and after a trip to Duluth for a biopsy, it was confirmed: stage 3 breast cancer.
While there was an initial shock with the news of cancer – again – one thing was certain: Emily did not want to travel back and forth to Duluth. When she found out that Spooner Health had infusion therapy, she talked to a friend who “glowed” about her experience here. Once she started treatment, she quickly found out why.
“The entire crew at Spooner Health, no matter who I met, took care of my needs tremendously well. Everyone made sure I was comfortable and taken care of. I cannot say enough about Penny in infusion therapy either. She was just fantastic and deeply involved in my care.”
She received chemotherapy from Spooner Health for three months until she developed a peripheral duodenal ulcer. After some complications, Emily had surgery in Minneapolis and had to temporarily pause chemotherapy treatments. Even through all her difficulties, Emily maintains a great attitude and a hearty laugh.
"I am so thankful we have such wonderful medical care available to us; it is medical professionals that have pulled me through the hardest of times and I am so thankful. I really thought I was going to die and now to get back to the point where I feel like me again is wonderful.”
Cancer is scary. Treatments are tough. But one thing is certain – the kind and caring nurses and staff in Spooner Health’s Infusion Services are dedicated to providing a comfortable, quiet and confidential experience for their patients. Not convinced?
Just ask Emily!
Infusion services available in Spooner:
- Therapeutic phlebotomy
- Chemotherapy infusions and injections
- Medical infusions
- Medical injections
- Blood transfusions
- Routine care and maintenance of Midlines, PICC lines, and Port a Caths
- Midline placement