A new pharmacy that dispenses medication to our chemotherapy and radiotherapy patients quicker, has opened at Ipswich Hospital.
Funded by the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity, the area on the Woolverstone Wing is dedicated to oncology, haematology and radiotherapy patients and is separate from the hospital’s main pharmacy in Central Outpatients.
This means those patients receiving chemotherapy – or their relatives, will no longer face the prospect of a long walk to the main pharmacy, or having to make return journeys to collect their medication.
Using MyChart, our new patient app, they can also receive messages when their medication is ready, which will also save them time and reduce the stress that comes with waiting for their medication.
The location of the dispensary, which is open between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday, also enables staff to have a better face-to-face interaction with patients and is spacious, away from the busier parts of the hospital.
ESNEFT principal pharmacist for cancer services, Susan Teh, said: “Our new pharmacy benefit gives cancer patients faster access to their medicines, reducing waiting times so they can spend more quality time at home with their loved ones.”
Courtney Howlett, lead pharmacy technician for clinical services and dispensary, said: “We hope the new dispensary will improve our patients’ experience, saving them time and stress that they may have encountered previously, having to wait in the main pharmacy.
“Patients can take a short walk here from the (radiotherapy or chemotherapy) unit to see if their medication is ready or send a relative if they are in the middle of treatment.
“The dispensary will improve staff wellbeing as the service will be in a less stressful and calmer area with more space.”
The dispensary is also situated in between the Woolverstone Day Unit and Radiotherapy.
ESNEFT Associate Director of Charity Mandy Jordan, said: “We are delighted to have supported this vital project that makes it easier for those people living with cancer in our care, or their loved ones, to collect their medication during a difficult time in their lives.
“So many people are affected by cancer and anything that makes them feel more comfortable and gives them time back to spend with the people who really matter, is the most important thing.”
The dispensary is also situated directly below the ASEPTIC unit where IV and chemotherapy drugs are made for oncology and radiotherapy patients.
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