Cincinnati Children’s is undertaking a major upgrade to one of the most essential components of patient care: its systemwide fleet of infusion pumps. The project will replace all infusion pumps across the health system’s regional footprint, with the most significant need concentrated at the Burnet Campus in Avondale. To support this effort, Uptown Consortium Inc., a managed entity of The Port, allocated $7 million in federal New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) and $1 million in state NMTCs, with Capital One serving as the tax credit investor towards the equipment deal.
The project totals $8.4 million and will fund the purchase of 3,110 new pumps on the Burnet Campus. Infusion pumps are critical medical devices that deliver medication, nutrients, or blood to patients at precise, controlled rates, and they are used in every patient room at Cincinnati Children’s. Over the past year, the hospital served more than 32,000 unique patients. Nearly half of the patient population is covered by Medicaid or indigent care, underscoring the importance of reliable, safe equipment for vulnerable families.
“These pumps are indispensable to our clinical operations,” said Barb Tofani, Senior Vice President for Patient Services and the Chief Nursing Officer at Cincinnati Children’s. “Replacing the fleet allows us to enhance patient safety and ensure that every child receives accurate, continuous care supported by the latest technology.”
Advancing Patient Safety Through Smart Technology
The new pumps introduce state-of-the-art smart infusion technology designed to reduce medication errors and improve overall safety. A key feature is smart pump interoperability, which links the pumps to the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR) system. Medication order information is transferred directly from the EMR to the pump, reducing the need for manual entry and significantly lowering the risk of errors.
Cincinnati Children’s is pairing the technology upgrade with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary training plan that involves pharmacists, nurses, physicians, information technology specialists, and medical device experts. Together, these measures are expected to improve accuracy, streamline workflows, and support even better clinical outcomes for patients.
Supporting and Expanding Critical Healthcare Jobs
The infusion pump fleet replacement project directly supports thousands of jobs across Cincinnati Children’s Burnet Campus. Nurses, patient care assistants, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians all rely on infusion pumps to deliver safe and effective care. The hospital currently employs 3,700 full-time staff across these roles and anticipates adding approximately 100 new full-time positions in the coming years.
These jobs pay a competitive wage and offer comprehensive benefits that include medical and dental insurance, retirement savings options, paid time off, tuition assistance, and paid sick leave. Cincinnati Children’s also provides extensive training and advancement opportunities, including degree progression programs, continuing education hours, and leadership development for clinical staff.
The health system offers accessible pathways through entry-level training programs. One example is the in-house accredited pharmacy technician training program, which prepares individuals with little or no prior experience for a skilled, in-demand role. The program spans three to four months and combines coursework, simulated learning, and hands-on training within the hospital pharmacies.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to supporting the continued growth of jobs in our region,” said Laura N. Brunner, President and CEO of The Port. "Here in Uptown, we are helping to enhance health outcomes while creating more opportunities for the community.”
Investing in a Stronger, Safer Healthcare System
By modernizing its infusion pump fleet, Cincinnati Children’s is strengthening its ability to deliver safe and reliable care to patients in Uptown and across Hamilton County. The project represents a long-term investment in clinical excellence, workforce development, and improved health outcomes for families who depend on the health system every day.
This project, supported by NMTC financing, ensures that Cincinnati Children’s can continue providing world-class care with the most advanced equipment available. It is a step forward in building a safer, more efficient, and more equitable healthcare system for the children and families of Greater Cincinnati and the countless patients who journey from around the world to come to Cincinnati Children’s.