Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Founded in 1898 as the nation's first cancer center, Roswell Park set the standard for today's multidisciplinary approach to the highest quality cancer care. Roswell Park brings together the best medical and scientific minds in cancer care. We are dedicated to our mission to understand, prevent and cure cancer. 

Location and Contact

Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, NY 14263
T: (877) 275-7724
Website: www.roswellpark.org/cancer/pediatric  

Helpful Phone Numbers

  • Appointments for New Patients: (800) 767-9355
  • Reach a Patient: (716) 845-2300
  • Visiting Hours: Visitors are allowed with permission of the patient. 
  • Request Medical Records
  • Billing Questions: (716) 845-8220

Cancers Treated

Adult

This institution treast most cancers

Pediatric Care

Our pediatric team treats and cares for children and adolescents with any form of cancer, including:
  • Brain tumors
  • Neurologic tumors
  • Leukemias
  • Lymphomas
  • Retinoblastoma
  • Wilms tumor
  • Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas, including Rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Neuroblastoma
  • Germ cell tumors
  • Other rare malignancies

Directions

Located on 27 acres in downtown Buffalo, between the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, Roswell Park Cancer Institute is a 10-minute drive from the Canadian border. It is served by the new Buffalo-Niagara International Airport, which offers 110 daily non-stop flights, and the Niagara Falls International Airport, which accommodates international charter and cargo flights.

Driving

*For road conditions on the New York State Thruway call (800) 847-8929.

Flying

Airports


Buffalo Niagara International Airport is approximately six miles from RPCI. Many area hotels offer shuttle bus transportation from the airport. Alternately, there is taxi service. Rental cars are also available.

Location & Contact
4200 Genesee St. 
Buffalo, NY 14225

Niagara Falls International Airport 

Niagara Falls International Airport is an attractive alternative to currently congested major North American International airports. With its 10,825 ft. main runway, 5,850 ft. crosswind runway, 24-hour operation (no curfews), 24 hour CFR service, excellent access to inspection agencies, and price competitive landing fees, the NFIA is ideally suited and strategically located to accommodate various types of aviation operations.

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)
*Routes, schedules, and fair information can be found on the website.

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA)
181 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
T: (716) 855-7211  
*Routes, schedules, and fair information can be found on the website.

By Train

Metro Rail
181 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
T: (716) 855-7211  
*Routes, schedules, and fair information can be found on the website.

Amtrak

Buffalo Station
75 Exchange St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (800) 872-7245
*There is a tax services available from the train station to Roswell. 

Parking

Parking for Visitors

When arriving at Roswell Park, you may park your car in the parking ramp on Carlton Street. Handicapped parking spots are available on the first floor of the ramp. You may use the enclosed walkway on the third floor of the parking ramp to go directly into the hospital building or simply cross Carlton Street at the crosswalk. The walkway is particularly useful in inclement weather.

Parking Ramp Rates

  • Less than 2 hours = $4
  • Less than 3 hours = $6
  • Less than 4 hours = $7
  • Less than 5 hours = $8
  • 5 hours to 24 hours = $9

Parking for Patients

In addition to the parking ramp, valet parking is available for patients from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Friday (except holidays). There is a $1 additional charge for valet services (standard parking rates apply). To valet your vehicle, just pull up to the hospital's main entrance and our valet attendants will assist you. 

Inpatient Parking

On the day of admission or discharge from the hospital, the patient (or their driver) may obtain a reduced parking validation. 

Outpatient Parking

On each day of an outpatient visit, the patient (or their driver) may obtain a reduced parking validation. To receive the reduced parking validation, present your patient card along with your ramp parking ticket to the information desk located in the lobby on the ground floor of the main hospital.

Metered on-street parking is also available. However, the length of your visit and meter expiration should be considered as we have no control over City of Buffalo Parking Stations.

Parking ramp rates (with a validated ticket) are $5 per 24 hours. Valet rates (with a validated ticket) are $4 per 24 hours, plus an additional $1 charge.

Lodging

Many local hotels and hospitality houses in downtown Buffalo offer special rates to Roswell Park patients, their families and visitors. Patients or family members who do not live in the Buffalo area and have Medicaid may qualify for lodging assistance.

Lodging Options

The Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House provides safe, comfortable and affordable lodging to families of pediatric (under 21) patients receiving treatment in Buffalo area hospitals. Families are offered a private bedroom, fully stocked kitchen, playroom, free laundry facilities, and van service to and from the hospital.

The 107-year old mansion is located in a lovely residential area on West Ferry Street, just minutes away from Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Room fee is $15 per night. Check-ins daily between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested. 

Location & Contact
780 West Ferry
Buffalo, NY 14222
T: (716) 883-1177

The Kevin Guest House

The Kevin Guest House was the nation's first hospital hospitality house providing comfort, care and support during a medical crisis.

Patients and family members from out of town who are being treated at Roswell Park stay at Kevin Guest house; this includes Blood and Marrow Transplant patients who stay in the four apartments that are next to the main house.

The lodging at Kevin Guest House donation is $25 per person (apartment rate, $50), per night based upon need and availability. Please call (716) 882-1818, fax (716) 882-1291, or e-mail info@kevinguesthouse.org to learn more about the facility or to make reservations.

Location & Contact
782 Ellicott St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (716) 882-1818
F: (716) 882-1291
E: info@kevinguesthouse.org

Hope Lodge

The American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge Buffalo is located just one mile from Roswell Park. The Hope Lodge offers free, temporary housing facilities for ambulatory cancer patients who are undergoing outpatient treatment. More than just a place to stay, Hope Lodge Buffalo provides a home-like nurturing environment so patients can get the support from others going through the same experience. A cancer survivor's recovery involves much more than medical treatments. Hope Lodge Buffalo offers the warmth and security of home in a setting where the love and encouragement of others enlighten and inspire guests.  At Hope Lodge Buffalo, guests rally around each other, building life-affirming connections and lifetime friendships. 

Location & Contact

197 Summer St.
Buffalo, NY 14222
T: (716) 882-9244

The Doubletree Club Hotel

The Doubletree Club Hotel, located in the Medical Corridor in downtown Buffalo is uniquely situated between Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Buffalo General Hospital. Easily accessible from the hotel, guests of Roswell Park and Buffalo General can travel via an indoor walkway, making travel to and from the hospitals safe, quick and convenient.  A 100 room property, the Doubletree offers all of the comforts of home starting at $97/night.

Please call the Doubletree for additional information and amenities at (716) 845-0112 or (877) 633-4667. This Discounted rate is offered to patients, families, doctors, researchers and consultants!

Location & Contact

125 High St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: (716) 845-0112 / (877) 633-4667

Holiday Inn

The Holiday Inn Buffalo Downtown welcomes all Roswell Park visitors.  The hotel offers free airport shuttle, shuttle service to Roswell Park, and other conveniences for $92/night.  Call (716) 886-2121 for more information and a full list of amenities.

Location & Contact
620 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 886-2121

Hyatt Regency Buffalo

The Hyatt Regency offers a discounted rate of $97/night for friends and family of patients. This 396 guestroom property provides deluxe amenities and a convenient location to the hospital. The cost for a standard guest room includes complimentary shuttle service to and from Roswell Park. For more details call (716) 856-1234.

Location & Contact

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

Best Western

Best Western offers discounted rates to Roswell Park patients and their loved ones starting at $75/night for double occupancy. Amenities include free parking and shuttle service to the Institute and continental breakfast. 

Location & Contact
510 Delaware Ave
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 886-8333

Comfort Suites

Comfort Suites welcomes Roswell Park visitors at a discounted rate of $69/night. With free parking Sunday to Thursday, onsite laundry facilities and complimentary breakfast, guests will feel right at home.

Location & Contact

601 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
T: 716-854-5500

Adams Mark Hotel

Adams Mark Hotel extends a discount to Roswell Park patients, families and visitors starting at $79/night. This Buffalo hotel has 486 deluxe guest rooms with extensive amenities and services that ensure every guest will experience absolute comfort and pleasure.

Location & Contact

120 Church St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
T: (716) 845-5100

Additional Lodging Options

For more information about lodging options near Roswell Park, contact the Department of Social Work or visit the Buffalo Niagara Visitors Bureau.

Location & Contact

Department of Social Work
T: (716) 845-1590 / (716)845-8022 / (800) 685-6825 x1590 (toll-free)
F: (716) 845-8766

Your First Appointment

Before Your Visit

You can make sure you have the best care experience by being an active member of your health care team. Being involved means being prepared and asking questions. Our physicians and nurses expect this. Asking questions about your diagnosis, treatments, and medicines can improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of your healthcare.

Taking steps before your appointment will help you to make the most of your time with your care team. We will need to have certain medical information that only you can provide.

Medical Records

If we don't already have them, please make sure to bring all pertinent health care records to your appointment. It is our standard operational process to gather this information before your arrival, so that the doctors may review it ahead of time, but there are times we may ask you to bring copies of your medical records and/or lab results or a disk of your diagnostic images with you.

List of Medications

We will want to know about all of the medications you are currently taking, including vitamins and minerals, herbal or natural substances, and other over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers or allergy pills.

Preferred Pharmacy

It is important that you let us know if there is a pharmacy with which you currently have a relationship. Please provide us with the name, address and telephone number of that pharmacy during your initial visit.

List of Allergies

It is important for us to know if you have any allergies. These can include an allergy to latex, iodine or seafood.

List of Physicians

We will need the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any doctors you have seen in the last year. It is our standard operational practice to inform these physicians of your health care status. If you would prefer to exclude any of these physicians from receiving status reports, please let your Roswell Park physician know.

Pathology Reports

Because a diagnosis of cancer can be a complex diagnosis, our pathologists have expertise in various types of cancers. This sub-specialization allows us to better target the care we can provide to you. Of the second opinions Roswell Park's Pathology experts provide for cases from outside of Roswell Park, about 10 percent involve a change of diagnosis. Therefore, we may want to run additional tests or in some instances, redo your blood results.

Lab Test Results

Lab test results may be positive, negative, or inconclusive. Your doctor will discuss what your test results mean for you during your visit.

Diagnostic Radiology

The clinical imaging tools used at Roswell Park Cancer Institute to take images or pictures of tumors and cancer cells has advanced so much that physicians can detect cancers earlier and more precisely. During your visit, your physician may want his Roswell Park colleagues to take additional images to assist him in making a more knowledgeable decision based on your type of cancer. 

Appoint a Health Care Proxy

This is the best way to make certain you receive the medical care and treatment you want when you can no longer speak for yourself. You name someone you trust to make health care decisions for you. This person is called a health care proxy. To appoint a health care proxy, you should plan ahead while you still have the ability to make informed health care decisions. You can do this by completing a health care proxy form while you are at Roswell Park. 

The Day You Arrive

Dress Comfortably

We recommend that you dress in comfortable clothing appropriate for your appointment. You may be asked to change into a medical robe for your examination. We recommend wearing loose clothing that is easy to take off and put on.

Bring Support

We highly recommend that you bring a family member or friend with you for your first visit. That person may take notes or just provide support for you during your appointment.

Childcare

If you are scheduled to have a long procedure or hours of infusion during your appointment, you will be better off making childcare arrangements - or rescheduling your appointment if your sitter cancelled or your partner suddenly got called to work. However, if you're coming for a quick checkup, you may be able to get by bringing your child or children. We ask that you to be sensitive to other patients who may view disturbances caused by crying babies and active children as adding stress to their already fragile condition.

Wait Times

Personalized care doesn't always follow definitive time schedules, and we appreciate your understanding and patience if we keep you waiting longer than you expected. In some cases, patients require special attention. Be assured that your doctor will make every effort to see you as soon as possible.

Write Down Your Questions in Advance

We recommend that you compile a written list of all questions and concerns that you want to address during your time at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. There may be several departments and individuals that you will come into contact with during your visit and you will want to remember who you spoke with about what.

Take notes on what the office staff and medical staff discuss with you. Be sure to ask questions if you do not understand a policy, procedure, medical term, or the reason for your doctor's diagnosis, treatment plan, recommendations, medication instructions, or post-appointment instructions. If you need additional information to take with you, ask your doctor for handouts, brochures, or online resources that you can review at home.

Enter the Hospital

The main entrance opens to the hospital lobby on the ground floor. In the middle of the lobby is the information desk. Stop there to have your parking ticket validated. If a wheelchair is needed, ask one of the transportation staff at the front door to provide one. If you are a visitor, a staff member at the information desk can help you locate a patient's hospital room or check a patient's status. 

Register and Get Your ID Card

Check in at the Patient Access Department (Registration) located in the lobby. A patient access staff member will greet you, ask if you have brought radiology films or slides and the list of your physicians. You will be given a pager that will alert you when your patient access representative is ready to meet with you. The representative will then:

  • ask for your health and prescription insurance information
  • provide you with your patient identification card
  • provide you with health care proxy and advance directive forms, if you need them
  • direct you to your appointment and center

If you have questions or issues regarding your health insurance coverage or possible discounted rates, ask to speak to a financial counselor. 

Have Your Blood Tested, if Required

The patient access representative will let you know if you need blood tests, and will direct you to the Phlebotomy (blood test) Department located in the north clinic hallway. Access to this hallway is through the set of double doors just beyond the main bank of public elevators.

Proceed to Your Designated Center

The letter you received from us explained which Ambulatory Center you are to report to on your first visit. Proceed to that center, which will be located on the ground floors 1, 2, or 3. Ask any staff member or volunteer you see in the lobby for directions and assistance. 

Check-in at Your Center

Once you arrive at your center, check in with the receptionist. She will let the nurse assigned to your doctor know that you are here. 

Pagers

If you would like to visit other areas of the hospital while you wait, ask the receptionist for a pager. You will be notified when your doctor is ready  to see you.

Meet with Your Health Care Team

Before you meet with your doctors, your nurse will conduct an assessment examination and ask about your medications, allergies and symptoms. The nurse may then direct you back to the waiting room and will call for you as soon s the next exam room is available. Once you are in the exam room, you will meet your nurse practitioner or physician assistant and then your doctor. Your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and review your diagnostic test results and past medical records. He or she will discuss your treatment options and answer any questions you may have. If you need more diagnostic testing, the center staff will assist you in scheduling these tests.

Next Step(s)

Your doctor also will explain the next step in your treatment process. This may include additional doctor visits as well as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Whatever the next step may be, your doctor will arrange and monitor your care and be available to answer your questions. If you need to change your doctor's appointment, call your center. 

When You Have Questions

Whenever you have questions about your cancer care and treatment at Roswell Park, call your center. If you have any questions or problems during the evenings, weekends or holidays, call (716) 845-2300 and ask to speak to the physician on call for your center. 

Insurance

Roswell Park Cancer Institute accepts many insurance plans. Please bring your health insurance identification card. If your insurer requires a referral, make sure you have obtained that referral and, if necessary, bring a copy with you.

If you don't have health insurance or if you have any questions about your insurance, call our Financial Counselors at (716) 845-4782.

Co-Pays

Be prepared to pay your health insurance co-pay on the day of your visit.

Prescription

Bring all of your prescription insurances and discount cards; these can include: EPIC, Medicare-D, and PACE.

Disability Forms Assistance

If you need help with disability insurance forms, you can speak to an Insurance Coordinator in the Health Information Management Department by calling:

  • Last names from A to M: (716) 845-1623
  • Last names from N to Z: (716) 845-5969

For Social Security benefits questions, please call (716) 845-5969.

Billing

Roswell Park patients receive two separate bills for service, one for hospital services from Roswell Park Cancer Institute and one from The RPCI Clinical Practice Plan for physician/professional services. Pay your bill online.

Financial Assistance

Our Financial Assistance Program is available for Roswell Park patients who may have difficulty paying for services and treatments. For more information regarding financial assistance, please call our Financial Counselors at (716) 845-4782.

Services and Amenities

We are committed to make your visit to Roswell Park as convenient and comfortable as possible with the following resources.

ATM

A First Niagara Bank ATM is located on the 1st floor of the hospital across from the Sunflower Cafe. 

Cafeteria

The Sunflower Cafe is located on the 1st floor. Weekday hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except for a brief closing from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. to allow for meal preparation. Weekend and holiday grab and go hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cashier

Cashiers can help with billing and insurance questions and financial counseling. The Cashier is located on the ground floor next to Patient Access and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Chapel

Pastoral Care Center and Meditation Chapel are located on the 1st floor in the bridge connector from the main hospital to the Carlton Building.

Computer Access

Free Wi-Fi service is available throughout the hospital for anyone who brings in their own laptop computer. Computers for public use are available in the Resource Center for Patients and Families on the 1st floor of the hospital (by the cash registers in the Sunflower Cafe).

Computer Loans

We have laptop computers available for loan to our inpatients. To sign out a laptop, you must be 18 years of age and have a driver's license or a state identification card. If you are interested in borrowing a laptop, please call the Resource Center for Patients and Families at (716) 845-8659.

Dunkin' Donuts Kiosk

Dunkin' Donuts is located in the lobby on the ground floor of the main hospital and offers a limited menu. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m to 8 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Hospitality Room

The Hospitality Room is a place for patients, families and friends to gather and relax while enjoying many great amenities. There are books, magazines, TV, coffee and refreshments, as well as friendly conversation provided by RPCI volunteers. The Hospitality Room is located on the ground floor near the Radiation Department. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lost and Found

Lost and found items are located in the Security office by the front entrance of the hospital. For more information, please call (716) 845-3069.

Mailing Services

A mailbox, a UPS drop-off box, and a FedEx drop-off box are located near the main entrance on the ground floor. A USPS mailbox is located outside of the hospital on the corner of Carlton and Elm Streets.

Newsstand

The newsstand is located on the 1st floor of the Administrative Services Building (follow the signs from the 1st floor of the hospital). Convenience foods, snacks, beverages, newspapers, lottery tickets and postage stamps are available. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Public Safety and Security

Daily after 4 p.m., depending on availability of staff, the Security Department can escort you from the hospital to the parking ramp, bus or train stops, or nearby hotels and hospitality houses. The Security Department can assist with directions, emergencies and other information. For more information, please call (716) 845-3069.

Smoking Policy

Roswell Park recognizes tobacco use as the most important preventable cause of cancer. Therefore, to provide total care to our patients, smoking is prohibited on the entire Roswell Park campus, both indoors and outdoors.

Gift Shop

Located on the ground floor of the hospital, the Gift Shop sells greeting cards, toiletries, snacks, flowers, jewelry, stuffed animals, books and gift items. It is open from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

Telephones

Public telephones are available on the ground floor, the 1st floor near the elevators, and near the surgical waiting rooms on floors 5, 6 and 7. A courtesy phone is available at the Information Desk in the lobby. It may be used for internal or local phone calls. Cell phones are allowed in most areas of the hospital including the lobby areas and waiting rooms on the surgical floors. In patient care areas, please respect the privacy and quiet time of our patients.

Vending Machines

Located in the cafeteria on the 1st floor, the vending machines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why choose us?

About Roswell Park

Founded in 1898 as the nation's first cancer center, Roswell Park set the standard for today's multidisciplinary approach to the highest quality cancer care.

Mission

To understand, prevent and cure cancer.

Vision

To position Roswell Park among the top 10 of the Nation's leading cancer centers.

Values

Core values reflect what is most true and important to us as an organization. These are values that have shaped us and will continue to - they do not change given circumstances or time but rather are consistent throughout our mission areas. Roswell Park is a special place to work and the staff and faculty who live these values have made it so. These values will guide and power our personal and collective actions and enable future successes on behalf of individuals and the world.

  • Innovation: We are driven to provide care that cures and comforts, research that informs the world, and education that enlightens and enables future generations. We proudly stand on our rich history and use it as a platform from which to embrace discovery and change.
  • Integrity: We are committed to making each decision, whether related to patient care, research, education or administration, based on standards that are thoughtful, informed, honest, transparent when appropriate and always respectful of privacy.
  • Teamwork: We value and encourage the viewpoints and constructive opinions of all people and disciplines and recognize that all contributions strengthen the results we achieve, the value we provide, the actions we take and the team we strive to be.
  • Commitment: We are devoted to achieving extraordinary progress on behalf of those we serve; patients and families who come to us during times of great need, scientists and clinicians who wish to collaborate, students seeking education, the science of cancer that awaits our contributions, and the community that deserves strong stewardship and economic leadership.
  • Compassion and Respect: We are enriched by the diverse cultures, needs, and expectations of our coworkers and of the communities we serve. It is our privilege and responsibility to appreciate these differences as we establish research goals, develop care plans, and interact with one another.

Pediatrics

Our Kid-Centered Care Environment

Care for our youngest patients takes place in a dedicated, kid-friendly wing of the main hospital. Our specialized pediatric facilities include:
  • Patient Rooms
    Designed to be comfortable and kid-friendly, large enough for families and other visitors, with an extra bed for a parent or caregiver to stay overnight. Rooms also have a refrigerator, TV, and personal DVD player with access to many movies and TV shows.
  • The Lion's Den
    A state-of-the-art activity room featuring flat-screen TVs, video game systems, and internet-ready computers where kids can connect and play games with other patients, family members, teachers and friends.
  • Stocked Pediatric Inpatient Kitchen
    Our young patients can find their favorite snacks at any time of day or night and families may cook their own foods if they wish.
  • Dedicated Outpatient Clinic/Infusion Area
    Patients receive outpatient services in a dedicated infusion area on the pediatric floor.