Deborah Parrott, RN, BSN, CPHON

Deborah Parrott is a Care Coordinator in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. She cares for a complex population of patients who have unique care needs. A patient of Deborah’s has a condition where her body is unable to remove excess iron, which can lead to long-term complications. To properly treat this condition, the patient needed an infusion that is 8-10 hours daily for several months. Because of the length and duration of the infusion, it can only be given at home. Since March of 2023, Deborah has worked tirelessly to obtain this medication for the family. This work included hours of phone calls to determine a home care company that could obtain the medication and supplies needed. Because she was unable to find a home care pharmacy in Colorado, she also reached out to Cooley’s Anemia Foundation and contacts at centers across the nation to identify options for this patient. The insurance company posed further challenges as they would not approve the medication through pharmacies outside of their network although the pharmacies within network did not have the medicine needed. Deborah advocated and took the lead to coordinate with Children’s Hospital leadership, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders leadership, external pharmacies, foundations, and the insurance company. Through each roadblock she used her clinical knowledge to challenge and escalate the need for this medication. Her focus remained on what the patient and the family so desperately needed. After nine months of her dedication, humble expertise, and generous service, Deborah succeeded and shared that the family was finally going to receive the home medication they needed. Deborah’s commitment was unwavering and truly an example of how a nurse represents the mission and values of Children’s Hospital Colorado. Her joy in finally obtaining this medication for the family was a beautiful representation of care coordination at its finest. She is an incredible asset to our team and our community.