Where is patient care provided?
Most children and adolescents that come to the Pediatric Oncology Branch to participate in a clinical trial are treated as outpatients. This means that as an outpatient, they do not spend the night at the hospital. They only have to be at the hospital for medical care, treatments, and check-ups.
What to Bring
- A government-issued photo identification card (ID) for parent(s) (driver’s license, passport or other official ID)
- Custody, divorce, adoption, or foster care papers, when needed to verify who can sign for your child’s medical tests and treatments
- Insurance information, including insurance card(s)
- Social Security numbers of patient and parent(s) or guardian(s)
- Emergency contact(s) name, address and phone numbers
- Family doctor's name, address, phone, fax and e-mail address
- Name of doctor to receive medical information (address, phone, fax and e-mail)
- Clothing for you and your child. Visit the National Weather Service Web site to check the Washington DC/Maryland weather forecast. Check NIH weather
- A small number of comfort items for your child: Blanket or toys, photos of family, friends and pets to help your child cope with home sickness
- Prescription medications for the patient
- Extra supplies of prescription medications for anyone accompanying the patient as an extended stay may be necessary
Other Places to Stay
If the Children’s Inn is booked or the patient cannot stay at the Inn due to medical reasons, a social worker will assist you with finding other locations to stay for the interim of your visit. Several hotels in the area accommodate our families and shuttles run each day to and from NIH.
Inpatient Care at the NIH Clinical Center
If the doctor decides your child needs to stay in the hospital, your child will probably be admitted to an inpatient unit on the 1st floor called 1NW. 1NW has 22 inpatient beds.
Every inpatient room has a bed for parents to stay in, a bathroom, a window and a television capable of internet access.
Where do we stay when receiving care as an outpatient?
The Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health is a residential “place like home” for sick children and their families. Children come from across the country and around the world to stay together with their families in The Inn’s healing environment, while receiving groundbreaking medical treatments at the NIH. The NIH takes care of the child’s medical needs and The Inn tends to the child’s heart, soul and spirit. A social worker will help make arrangements for your first stay at the Inn. Parents make their own reservations for all future visits.