New Bass Center and Infusion Clinic Opened to Enhance Childhood Cancer Care

On July 16, 2025, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford proudly announced the inauguration of the Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases and an accompanying Infusion Center located in Palo Alto, California. This new outpatient clinic represents a significant expansion aimed at improving care for pediatric patients battling cancer and blood disorders. With a commitment to enhancing patient comfort, the facility has added more examination rooms and 15 private infusion rooms designed to ensure privacy and ease during treatment.

The director of Stanford Medicine Children's Health, Paul A. King, emphasized the importance of this new facility. He stated, “Young patients who visit the Bass Center and Infusion Center are facing incredibly challenging moments. We want to ensure their comfort and the comfort of their families while our medical teams guide them through these difficult times. This new expanded space is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch care.”

A Focus on Comfort and Privacy

Infusion therapy, which involves administering medication intravenously, can often extend over long hours. The private infusion rooms are tailored to create a more relaxed environment—vital for pediatric patients and families during potentially exhausting treatment sessions. Dr. Tanja Gruber, the director of the Bass Center and head of pediatric hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant at Stanford Children’s, noted, “Infusions play a critical role in patient treatment plans, and having a dedicated space where they can receive care during potentially all-day appointments can help them feel more comfortable.”

This focus on privacy also plays a crucial role in infection control, as many patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy find themselves immunocompromised and at higher risk of infections. Private infusion rooms not only provide a calming space but also help mitigate these risks, ensuring a safer environment for patients.

Expanding Care with Modern Facilities

The updated outpatient clinic will see its examination rooms increase from eight to fourteen, facilitating greater appointment availability. “At Stanford Children’s, we handle very complex cases,” remarked Dr. Gruber. “Our team’s goal is to help children return to being kids. Part of that involves supporting families who need to juggle work and extracurricular activities while also managing their child’s health.” The new clinic space aims to provide families with much-needed flexibility and comfort.

Renowned as a leading pediatric hospital, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital remains dedicated to its mission of providing exceptional, family-centered care to those in need. The current renovations are part of an overarching enhancement project that has also expanded the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and launched new maternity and pre-delivery units. Generous philanthropic contributions have supported this critical initiative, enabling the hospital to continue expanding its vital services.

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Katie Chen
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About Stanford Medicine Children's Health

Stanford Medicine Children's Health encompasses the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, the largest healthcare system in the Bay Area dedicated exclusively to children and expectant mothers. Our network consists of over 65 locations throughout Northern California and more than 85 locations across the western United States. In collaboration with Stanford Health Care and Stanford University School of Medicine, we form a part of Stanford Medicine, leveraging biomedicine through collaborative research, education, and clinical care to improve health outcomes worldwide. We are a non-profit organization committed to servicing the community through impactful outreach programs and ensuring necessary medical care is accessible to families, regardless of their financial circumstances. Learn more at stanfordchildrens.org.