PRINCESS Alexandra Hospital are very excited to announce that they have now opened a new, modern facility to support patients and their families/carers with cancer.

The new Technical Services Unit, which is used to make chemotherapy medication for patients with cancer, is at the rear of The Princess Alexandra Hospital, adjacent to the Williams Day Unit, where patients receive cancer treatment. 

Work began last autumn to transform what was previously office space into a modern facility that enables the pharmacy team to produce individually prepared chemotherapy treatment doses, for oncology and haematology patients, on site. The improved space and equipment will largely eliminate the current intermittent need for external support.

The Technical Services Unit features: 

• a modern suite of pharmacy clean rooms (a sterile environment for manufacturing medications)  
• two negative pressure isolators for the safe handling and preparation of chemotherapy
• space to accommodate cancer services pharmacists, who clinically validate prescriptions
• a dedicated dispensary for oral cancer treatments and other medication needed by cancer patients to support their chemotherapy 
• a dedicated clinical trial medication office

John Biddulph, chief pharmacist, said: “Our new Technical Services Unit is a significant milestone in producing treatments for our patients with cancer. I am delighted that our pharmacy team can now begin to use the modern technology and equipment that this investment brings to improve patient care and experiences.”

Camelia Melody, deputy chief operating officer, said: “It is fantastic that our new Technical Services Unit is now officially open. This £2.5million investment supports the development of treatment for our patients with cancer and the working environment for our people.

“Thank you to everyone involved in the planning, construction and preparation for opening this amazing facility.”