Globally oncology is the largest disease area of pharmaceutical spend. Between November 2021 and October 2022, NHS England reported > 320,000 people received treatment for cancer.
The Primrose Unit houses Bedford Hospital’s outpatient oncology service for cancer patients. The unit works closely with the hospital’s Aseptic Unit to ensure treatment is safe, appropriate and available.
Our aim was to release efficiency savings by implementing measures in ordering high cost chemotherapy/ immunotherapy at Bedford Hospital through collaborative working across Pharmacy Aseptic Unit (PAU) and Primrose Oncology Unit (POU).
Following implementation of a pre-assessment process for patients scheduled on a high cost drug (HCD) (agreed locally as a drug valued at >£2.5k), a total cost saving of £121,655.96 was made over a 6 month period (July to December 2023). All savings were made due to timely interventions or deferrals in advance of placing an order with the manufacturer. Patients were reviewed sooner and informed of treatment changes in advance thus providing a holistic approach to care.
