Patricia Swanson and Rose Goodwin, Stem Cell Transplant Research Nurses.















Geri Hawks, Clinical Research Nurse, in the 3 NE nursing station.

Nonniekaye Shelburne, Senior Clinical Research Nurse.

Welcome to the Hematology Branch of the NHLBI
 

The medical, nursing, and supportive care teams of the hematology branch welcome you to our outpatient clinic, OP7, and inpatient care unit, 3NE (3 North East). Knowing that this is a stressful time for you and for those who care about you, the hematology branch team has created this website to help answer some of your questions and familiarize you with our services.

Outpatient Clinic (OP7)

OP7 is the outpatient clinic for the hematology branch, located on the 7th floor of the Clinical Center. You will begin your journey in OP7, where you will meet the medical team and begin the protocol screening process. You will return to OP7 for follow-up visits with the medical team as directed by your protocol coordinator.

Hematology and transplant outpatient clinic front desk.	A nurse and patient during a clinic visit.

Inpatient Unit (3NE Hematology)

3NE (3 North East) is a 28-bed (20 private rooms and 4 double rooms) patient care unit in the Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Patients on 3NE take part in clinical research studies run by the hematology and stem cell transplant programs of care within the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. 3NE specializes in the care of patient’s with hematological and oncologic diseases, and those requiring stem cell transplantation. Depending on the type of treatment you receive, your inpatient stay can last from 2 to 4 weeks. Understanding that this is a stressful time for you and your family, we have numerous resources available to help you through your treatment.

Typical patient room	3 NorthEast family room.

Multidisciplinary Team

Each patient’s care is overseen by a multidisciplinary team made up of physicians, licensed health care providers, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and nutritionists. This team works daily to ensure your needs are met during your treatments. Other services available to you and your family include recreation therapy, spiritual ministry, rehabilitation therapy, and pain and palliative care team.

Multidisciplinary morning rounds on 3NE inpatient hematology/transplant unit.

Social Work

All new patients are assigned a social worker. During your screening, the research nurse will set up the first appointment with your social worker. Your social worker can provide resource lists and referrals to assist you with needs that may occur during your transplant, for example hotel list, housing referral, barber/wig voucher, referrals to home health agencies and other discharge planning. Let the clinic coordinator or nurse know if you wish to talk with your social worker.

Bone Marrow Aspirate / Biopsy

You may require a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy during your screening visit and periodically after your treatment. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy are performed on OP7 by a licensed health professional, and assisted by a member of the nursing staff.

Testing

During your screening, treatment, and follow-up care you will receive a variety of tests to evaluate your progress. Frequently scheduled testing includes blood and urine lab work, chest x-ray, EKG, CT scan, MRI, pulmonary function testing, and bone marrow aspirate and biopsy. While you are an outpatient, your protocol coordinator will assist you in scheduling required tests.