Women & Children's
Hospital of Buffalo

The Division of Hematology/Oncology provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient services for children and adolescents with malignancies and blood disorders. Care by the Division is provided at both the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo and Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Care is provided through an interdisciplinary team approach, including hematologist/oncologists, surgeons, pediatric nurse practitioners, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, psychologist and child life specialists. 

 

Location and Contact

Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo
219 Bryant Street
Buffalo, NY 14222
Telephone: (716) 878-7000
Website: www.wchob.org

Helpful Phone Numbers

  • Appointments for New Patients: (716) 878-7208
  • Reach a Patient: (716) 878-7208
  • Visiting Hours: Patients have the right to decided on visitors and hours. 
  • Request Medical Records: (716) 859-2734
  • Billing Questions: (716) 859-7200

Cancers Treated

Specialty Clinics

  • General Hematology/Oncology
  • Neuro-Oncology
  • Sickle Cell Disease & Thalassemia
  • Hemophilia
  • Thrombosis/Thrombophilia
  • Long-Term Follow-up
  • Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant

Directions

Driving

Families and visitors can contact (716) 878-1000 for automated directions to the hospital. For road conditions on the New York State Thruway call (800) 847-8929.

Flying

Airports

Buffalo Niagara International Airport 

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is in Cheektowaga, New York, United States, named after the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area. The airport serves Buffalo, New York and Southern Ontario, Canada.

Location & Contact
4200 Genesee St.
Buffalo, NY 14225
T: (716) 630-6000

Niagara Falls International Airport  

Niagara Falls International Airport is four miles east of downtown Niagara Falls, in Niagara County, New York. Owned and operated by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, the airport shares its runways with the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Location & Contact
2035 Niagara Falls Blvd
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
T: (716) 297-4494

By Bus

Buffalo is served by a number of bus lines. Buses arrive at the main bus station, which is approximately two miles from Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Greyhound
181 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (716) 855-7532 / (800) 231-2222 (New York Trailways)

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA)
181 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
T: (716) 855-7211  

By Train

Metro Rail
Buffalo Station
75 Exchange St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (800) 872-7245

Amtrak
Buffalo Station
75 Exchange St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (800) 872-7245

Getting Around Buffalo

Car Rentals

Parking

*A parking and facility map is available to help you navigate the hospital campus.


Valet Service

Visitors can access the valet service at the main 219 Bryant Street entrance to the hospital Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Valet attendants are available to assist with loading or unloading of items and to help with wheelchairs or any other needs. The cost for the valet services is $5 per day.

Parking Ramp

Another convenient parking option for patients and visitors is the John C. Gallagher, Sr. Parking Ramp located directly across from the hospital on Hodge Street or on Elmwood Avenue next to Pier 1. A sidewalk from the parking ramp leads directly to the 118 Hodge Street hospital entrance. The daily rate to park in the garage is $5.

The parking ramp does offer the "easy pass" in two week increments of $25/week. This option for parents who will be longer term residents of Women & Children's Hospital provides greater flexibility and results in drastic savings in parking costs. Parents may report to the attendants booth located at the Elmwood end of the ramp or contact the attendant at (716) 885-0675, to secure an application for parking. Passes are usually available within 24 hours.

Security Escorts

Women & Children's Hospital also offers security escorts for visitors regardless of where they park. Visitors can request a security escort by calling (716) 878-7081 or stopping at the information desk in the main lobby.

Additional Parking

Additional Women & Children's Hospital parking options are available through the NFTA-METRO Park and Ride Station located at the LaSalle Station at 3030 Main Street, Buffalo.

The LaSalle Park and Ride Station offers over 700 available parking spaces and parking is FREE!  Visitors to the Hospital would then take the LRRT from LaSalle Station and transfer to one of these bus options:

  • Route 12- Utica
  • Route 20- Elmwood
  • Route 25- Delaware

Metro trains run about every 10-12 minutes and bus routes run approximately every 15 minutes during the day. Specific trips from LaSalle Station to Women & Children's Hospital could be as short as 17 minutes depending on the bus route chosen.

Customers can purchase cash fares at $1.75 a ride or a Metro Pass available in system wide day pass for $4 or monthly pass for $64. Reduced fares are offered for children five to eleven years old, seniors at 65 or older, and disabled at $.75 cash fare, $2 for day pass, and $32 for a monthly pass. Children 4 years and under ride free with an adult.

Trip planners can be accessed to view transfer options as well as walking distance from stop to the Hospital. The Trip Planners can be calculated by minimizing time, transfers, walking distance, or fares at specific dates and times.

For more information on schedules, Trip Planners, maps, and reduced fares please visit the NFTA website.

Street Parking

Street parking is available on the streets surrounding the hospital; please be aware of the parking regulations and times posted on each side of the street, there is alternate side parking in Buffalo and vehicles are ticketed if they are not on the correct side for that day.

For more information or to request valet services from Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, please call (716) 878-1500.

Lodging 

Women & Children's Hospital is conveniently located in the city just a short drive from the Buffalo International Airport. Use the following map to choose a place that meets your specific needs while visiting the hospital. A full list of places to stay can be viewed online.

Lodging Options

 

Kevin Guest House

Located six minutes from the hospital. Rates are around $25 per night, per person. 

Location & Contact
782 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, NY 14203 
T: (716) 882-1818

Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo

Located four minutes from the hospital. Rates are around $15 per night, per room. Eligibility requirements and more information can be found on the website.

Location & Contact
780 West Ferry Street
Buffalo, NY 14222
T: (716) 883 - 1177
E: info@rmhcwny.org

Adam's Mark

Located 10 minutes from the hospital. 

Location & Contact
120 Church Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 845-5100 

Best Western on the Avenue

Located four minutes from the hospital.

Location & Contact
510 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 886-8333 / (888) 868-3033 (toll-free)

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown

Located nine minutes from the hospital.

Location & Contact
601 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (716) 854-5500 

Courtyard Buffalo Downtown/Canalside

Located 12 minutes from the hospital.

Location & Contact
125 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (716) 840-9566

Doubletree Club Hotel by Hilton

Located six minutes from the hospital.

Location & Contact
125 High Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (716) 845-0112

Embassy Suites

Located seven minutes from the hospital. 

Location & Contact
200 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 842-1000

Hampton Inn and Suites - Downtown

Located six minutes from the hospital.

Location & Contact

220 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 855-2223

Hotel at the Lafayette

Located 11 minutes from the hospital.

Location & Contact
391 Washington Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (716) 853-1505

Hyatt Regency Buffalo

Located 10 minutes from the hospital.

Location & Contact
2 Fountain Plaza
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 856-1234

Lenox Hotel & Suites

Located nine minutes from the hospital.

Location & Contact
140 North Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 884-1700

Lofts on Pearl

Located 11 minutes from the hospital. Click Here for specific directions.

Locations & Contact
92 Pearl St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 853-1505

Your First Appointment

Preparing Your Child for Care

How to Talk to Your Child About the Hospital

The hospital can be a stressful environment for children of all ages. Preparing your child ahead of time for the different things they may experience - including hospitalization, surgery, and other medical procedures, will help to decrease their anxiety and will facilitate healthy coping.

The more a child knows about what to expect before their healthcare experience, the more comfortable they will be. 

  • Talk to your child about the upcoming visit. This will allow them to express their feelings and ask questions.
  • Be honest and accurate with the information you are giving your child. This will help to reduce fears and/or fantasies about what will happen. This will also help him/her to trust you and the medical professionals they may meet. 
  • Use simple words that your child will understand.
  • Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and to ask questions, but be careful not to force a discussion if your child doesn't seem ready.
  • Your child may experience a wide variety of emotions. It is normal to be angry, sad, or scared.  Encourage them to express their feelings - it's OK to cry.
  • If you don't know the answer to your child's question, tell them that you don't know, but you will find the answer. You might be tempted to tell your child something that isn't true. Be honest, if something will hurt, say so.

Preparing Your Child for Surgery

The Child Life Department at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo offers a Pre-surgical tour of the hospital to children and parents before their upcoming surgery. The tour provides opportunities for your child to see, touch, and experience the different things that they might encounter the day of surgery. Child Life Specialists are specially trained to teach children about what happens at the hospital on an age appropriate level. They want your child to feel comfortable and relaxed on the day of the procedure.

The tour takes place on Saturday mornings at 11 am. If you are interested in signing your child up for the Pre-Surgical Tour or have any questions on how to talk to your child about their upcoming surgery or procedure, please call the Child Life Department at (716) 878-7681.

Family Resource Center

The Family Resource Center of Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo is an online and actual location for families of patients to access health education, hospital and community resources and other helpful information.  These online pages provides access to information for families of patients, including hospital services, amenities, maps/directions, visitation guidelines, community resources and much more.
 
The physical Family Resource Center is located on the first floor just off the main lobby and near the 118 Hodge Avenue entrance.  It is open to all patients and their families Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours planned for the future.

This new multi-purpose Family Resource Center offers comfortable space for families that includes the following:
  • Information on community resources, agencies, and services accessible via websites and hard copies
  • Approved information, books and websites specific to condition and diagnosis
  • Recreational books and videos, in a lending library setting, for patients and families
  • Computers for family use (to check email, research, pay bills, etc.)
  • Copy/Fax machines
  • Space for support groups to meet

Overall, the Family Resource Center is a place for family members of patients to get away for a little while to research, re-charge and relax throughout your child's hospital stay.

This center has been implemented largely due to the generous support from the Family Advisory Council, a group of families collaborating with hospital staff and participating as partners of Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo.  The main principals of this council are to help families and to promote Patient and Family Centered Care as an approach to health care that recognizes that the family is the center of the patient's lives both in and out of the hospital setting. 

Insurance

This hospital accepts many insurance plans.

Patient Financial Services

The Patient Financial Services staff is available to respond to inquiries by phone regarding billing.

Via the phone, patients may request an itemized statement, pay their amount due with a checking account or credit card, set up a payment plan, and/or provide additional insurance information not given at the time of service.

In addition, our staff can provide some information related to the patient's insurance benefits and exclusions.

What is the difference between a co-payment, co-insurance and deductible?

In most cases, health insurance carriers offer two major types of coverage; HMO plans or traditional plans. HMO plans generally set a fixed dollar amount for office visits, outpatient visits, emergency room visits and sometimes inpatient stays that the patient is required to pay directly to the provider at the time of service. This is called a co-payment.

Traditional plans and Medicare establish a fixed dollar amount that must be paid by the patient (usually annually) prior to any payment made by the health insurance carrier. This is called a deductible.

A co-insurance is typical with traditional plans and Medicare. The health insurance carrier pays a percentage of the charge and the remaining balance is the responsibility of the patient.

Why was my health insurance carrier not billed?

There are times when Kaleida Health does not have adequate insurance information to generate a bill to the insurance carrier. In these cases, we have no alternative but to send a patient statement to the patient's guarantor requesting additional information. When you register for medical services, it is very important that you provide all of the necessary information so that we are able to bill your insurance carrier for payment.

What information is needed to bill my insurance carrier?

The following information is required:

  • The name, address and phone number of your insurance carrier.
  • The subscriber's name on the policy.
  • The identification number including any prefix and/or suffix.
  • The effective date of the policy.

It is very helpful if you show the registration clerk or receptionist your health insurance identification card each time you come in for medical services. You may ask to have this information read back to you to ensure your record is accurate.

Why did it take so long for me to receive a bill?

It is a practice of Kaleida Health not to bill a patient until we have exhausted all means of obtaining payment from your health insurance carrier. At times, we receive partial payments or denials that we feel are incorrect. Therefore, we must follow the appeal process established by your health insurance carrier to dispute their decision. These processes can result in a delay in billing you for your portion of the bill.

How can I obtain a detailed or itemized statement?

Simply call our customer service department at (716) 859-7200 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and our representatives will be happy to mail you one.

Can I pay my co-payment or balance by credit card?

All of the Kaleida Health sites accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. You may charge any payment utilizing one of these credit cards. We can also take this information over the phone if it is inconvenient for you to come to a cashier window in person, or you can pay online.

What if I want to pay without using my insurance?

Please call the Self-Pay Quote line at 859-8900. The team provides quotes for patients who would be paying all costs out of pocket, without using insurance. You will leave your name, phone number and the CPT codes for the services you are inquiring about and a team member will get back to you within 48 hours. CPT codes are billing codes used identifying the services; these CPT codes can be provided to you by your referring physician.

What if I don't have insurance?

If you do not have insurance and would like to speak with a financial counselor regarding options, please call (716) 859-8979. One of our facilitated enrollers will be able to assist you with the options available.

What if I am using my insurance and would like a quote regarding the amount I will have to pay after insurance pays their portion (patient responsibility)?

Please contact your health insurance company directly. They will have access to your specific insurance coverage and will be able to give you the most accurate estimate of what you will be responsible to pay.

What insurance plans does Kaleida Health participate with?

Kaleida Health, as a hospital system, participates with several insurances, as listed below.

There are often several different plans and/or allowed services offered by an insurance carrier, and Kaleida Health may participate with only certain plans. While we have tried to list the most common plans, if you have any questions, do not see your plan listed, or would like more information, we welcome your call at (716) 859-CARE.

Services and Amenities

Monetary Services

  • ATM: Located in the lobby
  • Cashier's Office: Located next to Admissions. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Eateries

Kaleida Cafe

The Kaleida Cafe is located on the ground floor of the hospital. It features entrees which change daily and daily specials are available. A delicious selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, hot and cold items, pizza and much more is available.  The cafeteria offers beverages, hot entrees, sandwiches, wraps made-to-order, salad bar, snacks and desserts.

For questions regarding food service, please contact the hospitality associate or the unit secretary on your nursing unit. Guest trays are available to order for families.

Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery

The new Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery, located at 448 Elmwood Avenue at Bryant, is the newest business in the Elmwood Village to support Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

Coffee Culture is proud to announce that 1.5% of its gross sales receipts will benefit Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo in the form of a quarterly donation to the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo Foundation.

Menu offerings make the new Coffee Culture Caf? & Eatery a natural place for hospital staff and patient families to find some quiet time. Coffee Culture is focused on delivering a high quality coffeehouse and light dining experience, and has assembled a staff of friendly personnel to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Tim Horton's

Tim Horton's coffee shop is open in the lobby everyday from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Spiritual Services


Libby's Chapel

Located first Floor near Main entrance. The chapel is open to visitors for prayer or as a place for peace and quiet 24/7 for your convenience. It is a quiet place for prayer and mediation. Please stop at security to gain access. 

Gift Shop 

The Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All profits are donated to the hospital. 

Located across from the main elevators, the gift shop offers a variety of items for purchase. Cash and Visa/Master Card are accepted. No checks please. Gift shop items include balloons, books, candy, cards, flowers, gift items, magazines, newborn and preemie clothes, personal care items, snacks, stuffed animals, stamps and toys.

The gift shop operated by the Women's Board, an organization of women committed to provide support to Women & Children's Hospital, first began doing business as a cart in the maternity building during World War II. By 1954, the shop had increased merchandise options and was allotted additional storage space in the basement.

Today, a new gift shop offers a wide variety of items including:

  • Giftware
  • Fresh flowers
  • Cards
  • Candy
  • Sundries
  • Balloons
  • Stuffed animals (Gund, Russ, Ty)
  • Seasonal items
  • Toys
  • Paperback books

We also accept phone orders for floral arrangements. To order, call (716) 878-7350 on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Library

Library Services

First floor hallway, down the hall from the cafeteria. The library offers health information on a variety of topics, including child birth, diseases, injuries, medications, prenatal care, wellness and general information in language that is easy for everyone to understand. Also available for families is information regarding agencies and services. A librarian is on staff to assist you. 

The library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (716) 878-7304.

Pharmacies

Home Care Pharmacy

Near the Hodge Street entrance open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Communications Services

The following communication services are available at the hospital:

  • Patient Telephone: Located in the lobby, for the in-hospital phone calls
  • Prepaid Phone Cards: Available for purchase by machine next to the security desk
  • Pay Phones: Located in the hall across from the cashiers office. To contact the cashier's office call (716) 878-7990
  • Mailbox: Located inside near the Hodge Street entrance
  • Newspapers: Available for no cost to patients on all nursing units Monday-Friday
  • Kaleida WiFi: KaleidaWiFi is available throughout the hospital. Your device will detect available networks. Select KaleidaWiFi. Open a browser window and agree to the terms that are presented in the window.

 

Other Services

Parent and Family Lounges

There is a family lounge located on each pediatric inpatient unit (Variety 4, 8, 9, 10, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Each lounge is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave,sink, and coffeemaker, as well as a relaxation area with a couch, television and computer with internet access. In addition, each lounge has resource materials about agencies and  services available for families to access at no cost. The Mother Baby Unit and Maternity floors have a family  areas available also.

At Your Request Room Service

At Your Request brings the experience of hotel room service dinning with a positive nutrition understanding to patients and their families at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

At Your Request Room Service allows patients to call in meal orders anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. from pre-set menu in the privacy of their own rooms. Menus, which are located in every room, are extensive and fully customizable so they can be adapted to meet the individual dietary needs of patients. At Your Request Room Service operators also have access to patient's dietary charts and can assist in suggesting healthy, nutritious foods that is within the patient's dietary restrictions.

How to order food:

  • Select an item from the menu (or customize your own)
  • Call 1122 from your hospital phone and place your order
  • Allow 45 minutes for food to be delivered
  • Guest Meals may also be ordered with a $4 voucher that is purchased in the cafeteria  

The goal of At Your Request Room Service is to ensure a more positive nutrition experience for the patient and an overall increase in patient satisfaction.

This service also offers the following:

  • Guest Meal Tray Special so visitors and family members can dine together
  • Adult and pediatric menus are both available
  • Allows meal orders to be placed by family members at home by calling (716) 859-5400
  • The ability to order meals in advance by letting the AYR service operators know what time you want the meal to be delivered.

 

Security and Safety

Our security desk is located near the elevators, in front of the Emergency Department. Security performs escorts for you protection, 24/7 including escorting you to the parking ramp. Call extension 7081 with requests. Security can assist you with some vehicle issues: lock outs, dead batteries and will provide "fix-a-flat" for your tire. Security monitors nearly 100 campus security cameras for your protection. Security, together with the volunteers, screens and issue visitor passes. Our security personnel are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. They are available to help you and to answer questions at anytime day or night.

When leaving the hospital at night, please feel free to call our Security Department and request a security escort. It is helpful to call ten minutes prior to your intended departure time.

Why choose us?

About Kaleida Health

Kaleida Health is the largest healthcare provider in Western New York, serving the area's eight counties with state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive healthcare services. Its expert, compassionate healthcare professionals are committed to providing the best possible outcomes and experience for patients and visitors. 

More than one million sick or injured patients choose a Kaleida Health facility annually, including Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular InstituteDeGraff Memorial HospitalMillard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, and Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

Accredited by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Healthcare, Inc., Kaleida Health also provides important services through two long-term care facilities, over 80 outpatient clinics, including school-based health centers, and home health care through the Visiting Nursing Association of WNY, Inc. In addition, Kaleida Health's hospitals support residency training programs of the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, training more than 700 residents each year.

Why Kaleida Health?

New recruits become an integral part of a highly skilled, patient-focused group of healthcare professionals who represent the best in nursing. By joining Kaleida Health, new nurses become part of a dynamic team of more than 3,000 nurses, all dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care.

Kaleida Health nurses practice evidence-based patient care, work with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and have opportunities to become involved in decision-making committees to solve patient care and nursing issues. Nurses also collaborate with other members of the multidisciplinary team to provide the highest quality care for patients.

Personal and professional growth of Kaleida Health's nurses, as well as career development and advancement, are priorities of nursing leadership. They are committed to providing the support needed to create a healthy, progressive work environment where nurses feel valued to practice excellence in patient care and safety.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission

Our mission is to advance the health of our community.

Vision

To provide compassionate, high-value, quality care, improving health in Western New York and beyond, educating future health care leaders and discovering innovative ways to advance medicine.

Values

  • Remain centered around the patient and family
  • Be accountable to patients and each other
  • Show respect and integrity
  • Provide excellence in all we do