Information and visiting guidelines

We value family-centered care, meaning we consider the whole family when providing care to a pediatric patient. We encourage you to be an active participant in your child’s care. We will do our best to make you as comfortable as possible. The following guidelines are in place to provide a safe, peaceful and healing environment for you, your child and the staff.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours for friends and family on the pediatric unit are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parents/guardians of the patient are welcome on the unit at any time. For the safety of all our pediatric patients, the pediatric unit is locked. Please press the intercom button outside of the double doors for entry. This button is located to the right of room 506. Once someone answers your call, let us know the name of the patient you are here to see. You will be issued a security code to receive updates on your child over the phone. In special circumstances, you may be asked to provide this code to visit.

After hours

Between the hours of 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. the main hospital entrance is locked. Please use the Emergency Room entrance, check in with security and they will provide you with a visitor badge.

No entry/exit hours

Please plan not to enter or leave the unit from 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. This is our shift change time when your nurse hands over care of your child to a new nurse coming on shift. We strive for minimal interruptions during this time, so your new nurse can learn everything they need to know about their patient.

Child Life Specialists

Injury, illness and medical treatment can be challenging and stressful, especially for children. St. Charles offers a child life program to help support you and your child during a hospital stay or medical encounter. A child life specialist can help your child with medical and pre-surgery preparation or support for a medical procedure.

Certified child life specialists are educated and trained in the developmental and psychological impact of illness and injury. They work in partnership with families as part of the health care team to meet the psychosocial, emotional and developmental needs of children and adolescents.

Each of our child life specialists has earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in child development or related field, completed a rigorous internship and maintains their certification from the Child Life Certification Commission.

If you would like to request the support of a child life specialist, please ask your child’s nurse or any member of their care team or call the Child Life Program directly 541-706-2900 ext. 3579.

Tips for families of long-term patients

Your rest is extremely important. If you don’t maintain your own health, you are unable to provide support to your child. We recommend you leave the room twice a day for at least 30 minutes. This can be a walk in the fresh air or a meal in the cafeteria. Please take the time to care for yourself.

Diversional supplies

We have a play room with age-appropriate supplies that can be checked out for your child. We also have gaming systems available for patient use. Each room has a DVD player, and we have movies that may be checked out or you can bring your own. Ask your caregivers for assistance in obtaining any of these supplies. If your child is on isolation, they are not allowed to go to the playroom. However, we are more than happy to bring toys to their room.

Condition help

Condition HELP is a patient safety program that is available should you have concerns about your child’s medical condition and/or care after you have already spoken to the nurse or doctor in charge. You may activate Condition HELP by dialing ext. 3232.

Sleepover guidelines

• During the current COVID-19 visitor restrictions, only ONE visitor may stay overnight. Please read our COVID-19 visitor restrictions page for more information.
• When setting up your foldout bed, please place it on the opposite side of the room from the door.
• Please be awake and have your bed and bedding taken care of by 8:30 a.m.
• Pediatric patients (17 years and under):
  • Children 17 years and under may visit with constant adult supervision during visiting hours.
  • One visitor may stay overnight. They may utilize the one sleeping chair provided in the room. Do not bring in any home sleeping supplies (i.e. air mattress or sleeping pad). Please communicate any special circumstances to your nurse.
  • Siblings may not stay the night, except for breastfeeding infants under 6 months of age.
• The sleepover visitor may use the shower. We can provide towels and soap. All visitors using the showers are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

Meals

In addition to the patient tray, you may order one guest tray per meal for no charge by calling room service at ext. 7182. Please order from the room service menu. Additional trays can be purchased from room service. Please keep in mind that if your child has diet restrictions, it is best not to eat in front of him/her. Nursing mothers should order meals as if they were the patient since they are supplying the infant’s nutrition.

Other food options

• Cascades Café: Located on the second floor, the café offers a variety of foods such as made-to-order pasta dishes, gourmet pizza, an extensive salad bar and house-made desserts. You can dine in or grab and go. Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.

St. Charles Health System pediatric experts are here to provide the best care possible for critically-ill and injured children and their families, in a quiet, safe wing of our Bend hospital. As the only designated Pediatric Inpatient Unit in Central Oregon, our specialists provide care for:

• Respiratory illnesses
• Childhood diabetes
• Gastrointestinal illnesses
• Heart conditions
• Neurologic conditions
• Pre- and post-surgical conditions
• Urinary tract infections
• Traumatic injuries

We also provide supplemental care for children being treated by physicians at other major hospitals. This allows your child to remain close to home during treatment and therapy.

Each member of our multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and support staff is certified to treat children and our shared goal is to treat the whole child: body, mind and spirit. To provide the most consistent high-quality care, specially-trained doctors called pediatric hospitalists work only in the Pediatric Care Unit, collaborating with their patients’ primary care doctors while staying in close communication with parents to include them in every aspect of their child’s care.

A pediatric cardiologist from St. Charles Heart and Lung Center is always available and our support staff includes a diabetes educator, asthma educator, social workers, pharmacists, and dietitians to give families the information and the tools they need in the hospital and at home.

Respect and Safety for Your Family

To respect the physical and emotional needs of children and their families, we offer private examination and treatment rooms. Your family’s security is a top priority, so we keep the Pediatric Care Unit locked at all times and provide space to allow a parent to be present 24 hours a day.

Want to learn more about our expert pediatric care? We encourage you to call us at 541-382-4321 for more information.

St. Charles Health System has a team of pediatric physicians and specialists who have long been recognized as leaders in treating children in Central Oregon.

Health care where you need it

At St. Charles Health System, we’re dedicated to providing military Veterans and their families with resources, support and advocacy for optimal mental and physical well-being. 

With 22,000 Veterans residing in Central Oregon -- and the nearest VA hospital hours away by car and over a mountain pass -- St. Charles is the preferred medical provider for Veterans seeking cancer, cardiology and/or emergency care closer to home. 

Plus, Veterans and their families who are eligible for TriCare health benefits can choose St. Charles providers for their health care needs. 

Know your benefits

During a medical emergency, Veterans can seek care at any of our four St. Charles hospital locations (via ambulance or emergency department) without advance approval from the VA. However, Veterans MUST notify the VA within 72 hours of admission to ensure the emergency care received is covered by your benefits.

The care you need, close to home

As part of the Veterans Community Care program, Veterans have the opportunity to seek medical care in their community under certain criteria. 

Due to the onerous burden of traveling hours by car over a mountain pass to a VA hospital, Central Oregon Veterans facing a cancer or heart/lung disease diagnosis can -- with prior authorization -- receive the highest quality cancer and heart care right here at home. 

For example, Veterans undergoing treatment at St. Charles Cancer Centers in Bend and Redmond have access to comprehensive services, including radiation and medical oncology in one location, an on-site pharmacist, nutrition services, oncology-trained physical therapists, survivorship programs and more.

To be treated at St. Charles, Veterans must first consult with their VA provider to receive prior authorization. 

St. Charles Hospice Veterans Program

St. Charles Hospice is proud to partner with the We Honor Veterans program to help us better serve Veterans on hospice. We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association and Veterans Affairs, is designed to empower hospice professionals and volunteers to meet the unique needs of dying Veterans. 

Additional Veteran community resources

Central Oregon Veterans Outreach - Works with Veterans in the areas of housing and outreach programs, as well as referrals to other agencies and resources.

Crook County VSO

Still Serving Central Oregon - Counseling and mental health services. 

The Shield - Free mental health services for Veterans and first responders. 

Central Oregon Veteran Center - Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families.

Central Oregon Veterans Council - A local coalition of dedicated Veteran organizations who connect, collaborate, unite and advocate on behalf of all Central Oregon Veterans, Guard and Reserve personnel in order to increase support for prominent issues facing this population. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 2-3 p.m. at the Bend VFW Hall at 1503 NE 4th St. in Bend and quarterly in Redmond, Prineville and Madras. Contact: Wendy Rudy, president, at 541-250-2965 [email protected] or join them on Facebook.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials

• Portland VA Medical Center

• Bend Outpatient Clinic

Veterans Services in Deschutes County

Veterans Services in Jefferson County

TRICARE - A health care program for uniformed service members, retirees and their families. 

Veterans Crisis Line

If you, or someone you know needs support, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255. 

What is tubal ligation?

More commonly known as  “getting your tubes tied” -- a tubal ligation is a surgical procedure for women who are certain they don’t want a future pregnancy. 

Tubal ligation is permanent birth control. So if you’re thinking of having it done, it’s important to understand all the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision. 

During this surgery, both fallopian tubes are blocked or cut, preventing the eggs released by your ovaries from making their way to your uterus, where they can become fertilized by sperm. 

Here are five considerations if you’re thinking about tubal ligation: 

1. It’s permanent. This procedure is for women who don’t want to have children or don’t wish to have any more. If you’re uncertain, talk to one of our women’s healthcare providers about other long-term options for birth control. 
2. It’s hormone-free. There are no side effects like the ones sometimes caused by birth control pills or an IUD. 
3. No more planning. You don’t need to remember to take a pill, use a condom, or count the days on a calendar. 
4. It does not protect against STDs. Only condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases. 
5. There’s a risk of ectopic pregnancy. In the rare case that you do become pregnant following a tubal ligation, the fetus is more likely to grow in one of your fallopian tubes instead of your uterus, a serious condition. 

Concerned about excessive menstrual blood loss?

If heavy bleeding is getting in the way of your life, and medicine doesn’t help, you may be a good candidate for endometrial ablation. 
 
Endometrial ablation is a treatment for women who experience excessive blood loss during menstruation. The procedure surgically ablates the lining of the uterus to reduce, or curb altogether, a woman’s menstrual flow.  

What is considered heavy bleeding?

• Soaking a pad or tampon every two hours
• Bleeding that lasts longer than eight days
• Anemia from excessive blood loss

Endometrial ablation is not surgery and does not require an incision or general anesthesia. Instead, your doctor inserts a narrow tool through your vagina to reach your uterus. The method for ablating the uterine lining can vary, from extreme cold to high-energy radio frequencies. 

Recovering from an ablation

It shouldn’t take long to heal from an ablation. In fact, most women are back to their normal routine within a week. Following the procedure, you might experience menstrual-like cramps or bleeding for a few days, and watery or bloody discharge for up to three weeks. 

It’s important to note that endometrial ablation isn't a sterilization procedure, so you should continue to use contraception. Pregnancy might still be possible, but it will likely be hazardous and end in miscarriage. Talk to your health care provider at the St. Charles Center for Women’s Health if you have questions about birth control options.

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman’s uterus. There are a number of medical reasons that your healthcare provider might recommend a hysterectomy, including uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, and cancer, to name a few. 

Depending on the reason for the hysterectomy, the procedure may entail removing all or only part of the uterus. 

There are also different approaches to hysterectomy, which impacts healing time and the kind of scar, if any, that remains following the operation. 

What are my hysterectomy options?

In an abdominal hysterectomy, your surgeon will make an incision across your belly and remove the uterus through it. Following this surgery, your recovery time in the hospital is typically two to three days. 

In a minimally-invasive hysterectomy, the surgery can be performed through the vagina, or through a small cut in the abdomen. In general, this type of procedure allows for faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and less pain and scarring than an abdominal hysterectomy.

Not every woman is a good candidate for a minimally invasive procedure -- scar tissue, obesity, uterus size and health status -- can be mitigating factors.

Get more answers

If you need a hysterectomy, your care team at the St. Charles Center for Women’s Health will answer your questions and guide you step-by-step through the process. 

Breast screenings

Mammograms and breast ultrasounds are important screenings for early detection of breast cancer, as well as other breast conditions. 

How are they different? 

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Based on your age, or you if have certain risk factors, your women’s health care provider will likely recommend an annual mammogram.

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your breast tissue. If abnormalities are detected during your mammogram, a breast ultrasound is often the next step that allows your doctor and radiologist to evaluate a concerning area in more detail. 

When should I begin mammogram screening?

Recommendations for what age women should begin mammogram screening vary between 40 and 50 years old depending on a variety of risk factors. The providers at the St. Charles Center for Women’s Health will discuss with you the benefits, risks and limitations of mammograms and together we’ll decide what’s best for your health. Balancing the benefits of screening with the limitations and risks is a key part of deciding when to begin mammograms and how often to repeat them.

Donation opportunities

Our patient support services depend on generous donations from our community through St. Charles Foundation. Your donations stay in Central and Eastern Oregon to support those who face cancer.

Donations may be made online, by mail or phone.
Cancer Services, St. Charles Foundation
2500 NE Neff Rd, Bend, OR 97701
541-706-6996

ONLINE: stcharlesfoundation.org/donate choose “Cancer Services” in the pull-down menu

For more information, call St. Charles Foundation at 541-706-6996 or visit www.stcharlesfoundation.org

If you are interested in making donations of food to help our program, some suggested items are listed below. Needs may vary during different times of the year. Please call to coordinate a donation – 541-706-7743.

Infusion room snacks

• Bottled juices
• Lunch-size snack packs – chips, crackers, etc.
• String cheese
• Nuts in individual packages

Harvest of HOPE

• All natural peanut butter
• Oatmeal
• 100% fruit and vegetable juices
• Albacore tuna packed in water
• Canned beans (black or kidney) natural
• Dice tomatoes (no added salt)

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, commonly called 'chemo,' is one of the key weapons in our arsenal for the treatment of many cancers.

Chemotherapy treatment involves many variables and is personalized for each of our patients. Your medical oncologist at the St. Charles Cancer Center will work closely with you to determine the best course for your specific cancer.

Drugs may be administered as an injection, through an IV, or orally in the form of a pill, capsule or liquid. How often and how long you receive treatment is based on the type of cancer, the goals of treatment and how your body reacts to the chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may also be combined with other forms of treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cancer cells, but it can also harm healthy cells that divide quickly such as the cells inside your mouth, intestine or hair. The damage to healthy cells can cause side effects, but these side effects generally improve over time and go away after the chemotherapy is complete. The St. Charles Cancer Center staff is there every step of your journey to ensure side effects are minimized and managed.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells, slow the spread of cancer cells or help reduce symptoms from cancer, such as pain. Radiation therapy may be combined with other forms of treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Your oncologist at St. Charles Cancer Center will work closely with you to determine the best treatment for your specific cancer.

Approximately 60% of people with cancer undergo radiation therapy. Treatment is painless. Patients are not radioactive following treatments and can resume normal activities.

Radiation therapy can be administered in two forms:

1. External beam radiation therapy aims radiation at your cancer from outside the body through a machine called a linear accelerator. The machine, which may be noisy, rotates around you, sending radiation to a localized part of your body from many directions. For example, if you have lung cancer, you will get radiation to your chest only and not the rest of your body. External beam is typically delivered five days a week, Monday through Friday, for a period of days or weeks.
2. Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) places a source of radiation inside your body. The goal of brachytherapy is to target the radiation dose to the cancerous area, limiting the radiation dose to healthy tissue and organs. Typically, five short treatments are delivered over a two-week period.

Our board-certified radiation oncologists provide the following comprehensive services:

• 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy
• IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy)
• IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy)
• SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy)/ SABR (Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy)
• SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery)
• Electronic brachytherapy

Surgery

Surgery is used to diagnose, treat or even, in some cases, help prevent cancer. Approximately 60% of cancer patients will undergo surgery, either by itself or in combination with other therapies.

At St. Charles, we partner with our region’s highly trained surgeons to provide comprehensive, technologically-advanced surgical options to treat cancers of the breast, lung, prostate, colon, rectum, head and neck, brain, thyroid, bladder, uterus, skin and bladder. Our surgical partners specialize in the latest minimally invasive and robotic techniques.

At St. Charles Cancer Center, our team believes in providing support services alongside the medical treatment our cancer patients receive. As soon as you are diagnosed, you are a survivor and your friends and family are co-survivors. 

Our programs are available free of charge to anyone facing cancer regardless of where they are treated. 

Cancer survivors treated at the St. Charles Cancer Center may also take advantage of integrative care options such as acupuncture, massage and Reiki, as well as one-on-one nutritional support.

For more information, please call our survivorship coordinator at 541-706-2969.