McLeod Health is expanding patient-centered care with the McLeod Choice Infusion Suites, designed to provide convenient, specialized infusion and injection treatments outside of traditional hospital settings.

Morgan Pierce, PharmD and pharmacy manager with McLeod Infusion and Oncology Services, says McLeod Choice Infusion Services offers “a new service option for infusion treatments within McLeod Health for patients that need infusion or injection therapy for their medical conditions.” Unlike infusion services located inside hospital campuses, these standalone suites provide easier access by allowing patients to receive outpatient treatments without entering a hospital.

While many associate infusion therapy primarily with cancer care, Pierce highlights its broader applications: “There are a huge number of infusion treatments for other acute and chronic conditions.” These include gastrointestinal issues, such as those treated by gastroenterologists; rheumatology conditions like arthritis; pulmonology treatments for lung diseases including asthma and COPD; and even cardiology therapies aimed at cardiovascular disease.

Currently, McLeod has two new infusion suites: one located on the McLeod Regional Medical Center campus in Florence, housed in the McLeod Medical Park West building, and another at the McLeod Health Carolina Forest campus in Myrtle Beach, situated in Building Two. Both locations operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Patients referred to these infusion suites can expect personalized support from a dedicated medication access team that handles insurance coordination, financial assistance, and appointment scheduling. Pierce emphasizes the comprehensive nature of care: “While they are in their visits, patients will be treated by a certified infusion nurse as well as trained infusion pharmacists. They will monitor the patient, ask how they are feeling, provide education if needed – all of the aspects of excellent quality care.”

Infusion therapy complements existing medical care rather than replacing it. As Pierce explains, “Some care plans will just involve picking up a prescription from your McLeod Choice Pharmacy, but a lot of new treatment options involve infusions or injections because it’s more convenient and more consistent for the patient. They don’t have to take a pill every day. They may come get an injection once a month or once every six months.”

Treatment durations vary widely depending on the medication and condition. Some therapies consist of quick injections or 30-minute infusions, while others may require several hours. To enhance patient comfort during longer sessions, the suites offer amenities such as TVs, Wi-Fi, drinks, and snacks.

Looking ahead, McLeod aims to expand these infusion services across the region, establishing suites wherever patients need them. Pierce states, “We want to be where the patient needs us which could include extending services to locations like Dillon, Cheraw, Manning and beyond.”