Growing as our patients’ needs grow — the ambulatory center adds more beds

MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital expanded its outpatient services capacity. In January 2023, the Pediatric Ambulatory Treatment Center (PATC) added 12 beds on a second floor, bringing the total to 19 beds. This expansion helps accommodate a growing number of outpatients who require chemotherapy and other infusions. In FY23, the PATC employees saw 5,789 outpatient visits, a significant increase from the previous year.  

The number of FY23 outpatient visits included an increase in adolescent and young adult patients (AYA), ranging in age from 18-40. Pediatric nursing leaders worked with institutional clinics to contact young adult patients and offer them additional scheduling options. Satisfaction surveys indicated that many of these patients prefer the PATC because it is smaller and allows them to be seen more quickly. Some AYA outpatients are offered services like psychosocial counseling, same-age support groups, college scholarship opportunities and access to fertility preservation support. These services are not widely known outside of Pediatrics.   

Notably, the new pod was named “The Islands” following a vote among Pediatrics faculty and employees. That moniker fits in nicely with pre-existing Oceans, Mountains, Rainforest and Meadows pods. The Islands was previously an adult unit that will undergo renovations to suit younger patients. The other pods were designed with input from patients, families and donors.