A hospital is set to open a £2.5 million facility next spring for patients with cancer, which will “largely eliminate” the need to bring in external support.
The new aseptic unit at The Princess Alexandra Hospital will be used to make chemotherapy medication for patients with cancer.
It is being built at the rear of the hospital, in Hamstel Road, Harlow, by the Williams Day Unit, where patients receive cancer treatment.
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The pharmacy team will produce individually prepared chemotherapy treatment doses for oncology and haematology patients at the unit.
Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust claims this will “largely eliminate the current intermittent need for external support.”
Chief pharmacist John Biddulph said: “We are delighted to see the construction of our new Aseptic Unit progressing at pace.
“This is a significant milestone in producing treatments for patients with cancer, with up-to-date technology and equipment. We are looking forward to the opening next spring.”
The unit will feature a modern suite of pharmacy clean rooms which are sterile environments for manufacturing medications, and equipment including two negative pressure isolators for the safe handling and preparation of chemotherapy.
There will also be space to accommodate cancer services pharmacists, who clinically validate prescriptions, a dedicated dispensary for oral cancer treatments and other medication, together with a dedicated clinical trial medication office.
Chief operating officer Stephanie Lawton said: “The new aseptic unit represents an investment of £2.5million in improving the experience for our patients with cancer and the working environment for our people.
“The modern facility will enhance the high quality care our dedicated teams provide – thank you to everyone involved.”
Last month it was revealed the trust was among seven in 10 NHS trusts failing to hit targets for seeing patients urgently for suspected cancer.
Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust said it was “dedicated” to ensuring patients are supported "holistically with the physical and emotional challenges that can present during treatment for cancer".
Mrs Lawton said: “Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant increase in demand for our services, we continue to urgently focus on enhancing the experience of patients.”
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