Gifts and Balloons for Patients at The James Cancer Hospital

The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute does not allow cut flowers or live plants to be delivered to patients. That's the hospital's rule, and it applies to every florist. Milano's UpTowne Florist can still help you send something cheerful: a balloon bouquet, a plush keepsake or a treat, plus a photo once it's delivered.

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The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
460 W. 10th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210

Why Flowers Aren't Allowed at The James

Many patients at The James are going through chemotherapy, radiation or a stem cell transplant, and their immune systems are weakened. Soil, standing water and pollen can carry bacteria and mold. The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center lists The James, along with its transplant units, as places where live plants and flowers can't be delivered. Please don't try to work around the rule. Anything that arrives will simply be turned away.

What to Send Instead

Foil balloons are the most popular gift we deliver to The James. They add color to a room that can feel very clinical, and they don't wilt. Pair one with a soft plush or a small box of chocolates, if the patient is able to eat sweets. Keep it simple. Patients are often tired, and rooms are small.

Another lovely option is to send flowers to the patient's home, timed for when they're discharged or between treatments. Fresh flowers waiting at home can be a real lift after a long stay. We deliver to homes in Columbus and the surrounding suburbs, and you can shop our flowers for the home.

Getting the Gift to the Right Room

The James is part of the Ohio State campus, alongside University Hospital and the Ross Heart Hospital. Give us the patient's full name as registered and, if you know it, the floor or unit. Privacy rules sometimes stop hospital staff from telling us where a patient is, so a family member can be the quickest help. If the patient is staying in another Ohio State building, see our Ohio State Wexner Medical Center page.

Same-day delivery is available when you order early in the day, Monday through Saturday. We're closed on Sundays. Once your gift is delivered to the hospital's receiving area, we'll send you a photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send flowers to a patient at The James?

No. The James does not accept cut flowers or live plants for patients, so Milano's UpTowne Florist sends foil balloons, plush and other gifts instead. We can also deliver fresh flowers to the patient's home.

Can balloons be delivered to a hospital?

Many hospitals allow only Mylar balloons and prohibit latex because of allergy concerns. Individual facilities and units set their own rules, so confirm the current policy before adding balloons.

Can you find a patient's room number for me?

The shop may ask hospital staff to locate a patient, but privacy rules and hospital policy may prevent disclosure or acceptance. The sender should provide the patient's full registered name and confirm admission whenever possible.

What information is needed for hospital flower delivery?

Provide the patient's full name as registered, hospital name and address, room number when available, unit or department, and a contact number. Confirm that the patient has not been discharged, transferred, registered under another name, or placed in a restricted unit.

Can you guarantee an exact delivery time?

Exact delivery times generally cannot be guaranteed because routes, traffic, weather, recipient availability, and institutional receiving procedures can change during the day. A service, visitation, school dismissal, business closing time, or other true deadline should be supplied with the order so it can be prioritized appropriately.

Are flowers delivered directly to the patient's room?

Usually the florist delivers to an authorized hospital receiving point, information desk, volunteer desk, or security area. Hospital staff then control final delivery to the room. The florist cannot guarantee how quickly the hospital completes that internal step.

Send Comfort or Congratulations to The James

Milano's UpTowne Florist is family-owned and has designed flowers for Central Ohio since 1935, from our studio at 729 Mt. Airyshire Blvd. in Columbus. Need help choosing? Call 614-889-1001.