CVH Infusion Center Presses “Play” on Patient-Centered Care

GARDNERVILLE, Nev. (August 1, 2014) – When it comes to finding healthcare for a child, a parent will go to great lengths to make sure their child receives nothing short of the best. When Jennifer Garcia of Yerington had to go on the search for an infusion treatment center for her son, Christopher Torres, she searched far and wide. Ultimately, she found what she was looking for with Lori Salvador and the staff at Carson Valley Health’s Infusion Center.

“If not for this facility, I would drive all the way to Stanford, if I had to,” says Jennifer. In fact, she has tried other infusion centers regionally, finding that none met her expectations better than Carson Valley Health. What sets the CVH Infusion Center above the rest? It lies not only in technology, but in the human touch and friendly, healing environment that Christopher receives as a patient of the “Buddy Program.”

Nine-year-old Christopher arrives at the CVH Infusion Center every third Friday to receive intravenous medication treatments for three hours at a time. He has been receiving these treatments since he was only 15-months old. With the Buddy Program in place, Chris does not have to do these infusions alone. Seven-year-old Noah Woodcock also receives infusions: for six hours every Friday. Infusion Center Manager, Lori Salvador, schedules the two boys together so that they can have a playmate during the otherwise long, uncomfortable, and let’s face it – boring – process. During this time, the boys play games, watch television shows, read, color, play Wii, and do all the things that little boys do indoors.

Noah’s mother, Rhiannon Hoyopatubbi, knew that he was a carrier of Hunter’s Syndrome long before any doctors diagnosed him. Finally, at the age of five, he was diagnosed; one of only two cases in the state of Nevada. The family moved to Utah where Noah received specialized care and treatments for his condition. “Every Friday has been ‘Doctor Day’ for the past five years,” says Rhiannon. Being natives of South Lake Tahoe, Rhiannon moved her family back to Gardnerville, and Noah began coming to CVH for his treatments. It was important to Rhiannon to relocate closer to family and resources, yet she wanted the best in healthcare options for her son, as well. “Access is the best part,” she says, “but what is good here is also that you make true friends with the staff; we talk, hug, cry and laugh.”

Infusion Center Manager Lori Salvador, opened the Center in 2005 with the vision of creating a patient-centered environment that includes both atmosphere and personal touch. “Every patient that walks through our doors should feel comfortable, cared for, and respected.” says Lori. “We are a small hospital. But because we’re small, we can provide that.”

Jennifer suggests that the vision has become a reality: “Here they don’t treat you like a patient - they treat you like family.”