Cancer Centre Pharmacy
Your visit
Cancer Centre Pharmacy
This is a specialist Pharmacy that serves only our cancer patients and the team will provide you with the medication that has been prescribed by your doctor.
This pharmacy serves patients in both our outpatient clinics as well as those receiving care on our specialist day unit, Chilworth Ward.
As well as dispensing your medicine, the team are also on hand to answer any questions that you may have about your medication or your health needs. They can also offer you guidance on whether your new medication impacts or interacts with any existing medication you may take from your GP.
How we prepare your cancer medication
In this video we talk you through the different checks the Pharmacy Team need to make to keep you safe with your medication.
How does it work?
- If you were given a prescription by your doctor please bring it to the Pharmacy window on Level B of the Cancer Centre. If you were not given a written prescription, your doctor or nurse will have transferred it electronically to the Pharmacy. The doctor or nurse will tell you if they have done this.
- When you arrive at the window you will be met by one of our Counter Assistants. They will ask you some questions and check that they have all your details correct. They will also explain the next steps.
- Preparing your prescription can take up to 45 minutes, so you may be invited to take a seat or come back later.
- Your prescription will then be passed to one of our Pharmacists. They will do a clinical check and make sure that the correct drugs have been prescribed for your condition and at an appropriate strength.
- A Dispenser will then prepare your medication, selecting the right amount of the right drugs, and ensure they are packaged up with the right label and all the correct information, such as instructions on how you should take your medication.
- For some specialist or complex drugs, a second check is made at this stage to make sure that the right amount of the right drug has been prepared.
- Finally, an Accuracy Checking Technician will check that everything is correct with your medication before the drugs are given to you by one of our Dispensers. If you have any questions, please ask the team who will be happy to help.
- If you get home and have any questions about your medication, please call 01483 464126, or on 01483 571122 then extension 6789 when prompted. The team is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5.45pm.
Can you take your prescription to another pharmacy?
No. Due to the specialist nature of the medication you will be receiving it is only available from the Pharmacy in the Cancer Centre.
Staff are also unable to fill other prescriptions that you may have received from elsewhere, such as your GP.
What is the drive-by pharmacy?
We have an award-winning drive-by pharmacy which you can collect your prescription from once it has been completed. This allows you to leave the hospital and return when it is ready, without having to find a parking space and walk into the hospital.
If you want to take advantage of this service, please tell your doctor when they are filling in your prescription, or our staff when you hand in your prescription.
The drive-by pharmacy can be found in a Portakabin near the Level B entrance to the cancer centre. You can park outside and there is no need to pay for parking.
The drive-by is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.45pm.
What is the home delivery service?
The team offers a home delivery service for those patients unable to attend hospital to collect their prescriptions. To find out if you are eligible for this service please speak to one of the pharmacy team.
If you are accepted for home delivery your prescriptions will be delivered directly to your home by one of our trained drivers. Our drivers are not Pharmacists, but if you have any questions about your medication they will be able to direct you as to how you can get the help and guidance that you need.
What do I do if I’m running out and need more medication?
If you have any concerns about your medication, including if you are running low on essential drugs or are planning on going away on holiday, please speak to the team. They will do their best to assist you.
Who makes up the team?
The Cancer Centre Pharmacy is made up of 10 members of staff, who perform a number of essential roles in ensuring that you get the medicine that you need.
Accuracy Checking Technicians – They are responsible for checking your medication has been prepared correctly and is as prescribed by your doctor.
Counter Assistants : they are usually the first people you will meet, and they will make sure your prescription is filled out correctly and is legally valid. They are also able to advise you on common ailments and provide healthy living advice and care.
Dispensers – They are responsible for processing your prescription and play an important role in making sure that the right amount of the correct medicine is prepared for you.
Pharmacists – These are health professionals who train for many years to become specialists in medicines. They can help you with the safe use of your medication and healthcare advice, including how to get the best out of your medicines.