HARLOW-based LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare (LPCH) has launched a new centre in Westerhope, partnering with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver an innovative model of care.

The new centre provides injection and infusion services to a range of patients, while supporting the NHS by increasing capacity and taking care away from a hospital setting when possible.

It empowers patients by providing them with the flexibility, convenience, and choice to take ownership of their treatment journey. The service operates five days a week, and delivers approximately 14 patient treatments each
day, with the capacity to reach 20.

It becomes LPCH’s fourth healthcare centre, with each centre designed to complement the requirements of a partnered NHS Trust. The centre has also been delivered in partnership with global pharmaceutical companies MSD and Bristol Myers Squibb, who manufacture the medication with which the patients are treated.

The centre, which was heavily informed and guided by patient feedback, has enjoyed a successful first month.

Combined, they have helped NHS Trusts release 4,707 nursing hours, and by providing greater capacity, they are helping to support these Trusts to reduce waiting lists and reduce hospital footfall, allowing them to focus on delivering care to all who need it.

It offers free parking, vastly reduced time in waiting rooms, and the choice and flexibility to fit patients’ daily schedules. In addition, patients are able to see dedicated nurses, ensuring there is always a familiar face.

Commenting on the launch of the new centre, Nick Davis, CEO of LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare, said:

“This clinic represents a fantastic alternative treatment pathway for so many patients who currently don’t have access to such an option.

“Equally, it’s also about generating financially efficient solutions for the NHS, and creating much-needed capacity in NHS hospitals and clinics, so that they can also service more patients.”

Paul Hutchison, a patient, and guest at the launch event, commented on his own experiences:

“There’s a nice atmosphere, everyone is so helpful. I don’t get as stressed as driving to the hospital and waiting in the waiting rooms. I have time to talk to the nurse about everything, and you don’t get that one-on-one at the hospital. I’m happy to be able to come here and just feel relaxed.”

Michelle Crawford, Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Newcastle Healthcare Centre, added:

“This centre enables the people of the North to be cared for in the heart of their community. It gives them a chance to put their illness on the backburner, where it should be, and focus on living their lives.

“Patients are in control, it means that they can be with their families, and it cuts down the amount of time spent waiting in hospital waiting rooms. It’s a unique opportunity and we’re absolutely delighted that it’s eventually come to fruition.”

Scott Cooke, General Manager, Bristol Myers Squibb UK & Ireland said:

“At Bristol Myers Squibb, we know that effective partnerships are key to meeting challenges in the healthcare system. This pilot initiative is a result of three years of long-standing collaboration between Bristol Myers Squibb, the NHS, LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare, our partners and the cancer community in Newcastle.

“We are proud to play a part in bringing patient-centred treatment closer to home, potentially alleviating pressures on the local health service, and taking one step closer to our ambition of ensuring everyone living with cancer has equal access to healthcare.”

David Long, Head of Oncology at MSD UK, said:

“Over the past year the NHS has seen record numbers of patients seeking treatment for cancer, putting huge pressure on the health service. MSD are proud to support this project, which has the potential to not only deliver much needed extra capacity for the NHS, but does so by piloting a community-based model that puts patient convenience at the heart of the service.”