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Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit (PMU) at Cheltenham General Hospital

23 Apr 2025, 4:48 p.m.

Update on Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) production

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As a precautionary step following a routine inspection of our sterile production facilities, we have made the decision to temporarily pause the production of Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) at our Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit (PMU) at Cheltenham General Hospital.

We want to reassure patients that:

  • This does not affect the safety or effectiveness of any SACT treatments already given or those due to be given in the coming days

From Wednesday 16 April, we began sourcing SACT medicines from our trusted external partners. While this ensures continuity of care for the majority of patients, it has led to some short-term changes:

  • A small number of patients had their appointments rescheduled from 16 April onwards.
    • This may result in the SACT service on Avening Ward at Cheltenham General Hospital being busier than usual.
    • It also impacts Haematology patients attending the Edward Jenner Unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
  • To support our patients, we are offering extra treatment appointments on Avening Ward over the weekend of 26–27 April.
  • As we carefully receive and check these externally sourced drug treatments, there may be a greater chance of short-notice delays on the day of your appointment.
  • While we will endeavour to avoid delays, this may mean that your appointment will run later than the stated time. You may wish to inform friends or relatives who are due to pick you up or wait during your treatment.

We understand how important consistency and reassurance are during your treatment. Please be assured that your safety and care are our top priorities and we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and patience at this time.

Information:

Our team will contact you directly if there is any change to your appointment. If you do not hear from us, please attend as planned.

Information about treatment for children

As detailed in the information above, wherever possible, intravenous chemotherapy products are being sourced through trusted external suppliers. However, we are unable to supply intrathecal chemotherapy at this point.

We estimate that this temporary closure may continue for several weeks.

  • This will mean that chemotherapy treatment dates may need to be rescheduled or alternative arrangements made to be able to safely deliver treatment.
  • Any changes to treatment schedules will be done with close consultation with doctors in Gloucester, in Bristol and with yourselves.

Unless you hear directly from us with alternative arrangements you may assume that your planned treatment is going ahead as scheduled.

We will update you on any changes as soon as we have further information.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Why has SACT production been paused at Cheltenham General Hospital?
    We have temporarily paused in-house production following concerns raised during a routine inspection of our sterile manufacturing environment. This is a precaution to ensure the highest standards of patient safety.
  2. Are the SACT medicines I’m receiving still safe and effective?
    Yes. All SACT drugs now being provided are from trusted external suppliers who meet strict quality and safety standards. Your treatment will continue to be safe and effective.
  3. Will my treatment be delayed or cancelled?
    Most patients will continue with their treatment as planned. If your appointment needs to be changed, our team will contact you directly. If you don’t hear from us, please attend your appointment as usual.
  4. Why might there be delays on the day of my appointment?
    As the SACT drugs are now being delivered from external providers, we are taking extra time to check and prepare them to the highest standards. This may cause short-term delays on the day of treatment.
  5. Does this only affect patients attending Cheltenham General Hospital for SACT treatment?
    No, it also impacts patients who attend the Edward Jenner Unit for Haematology treatment and paediatric (children’s) oncology appointments at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
  6. Will I have to travel away from Gloucestershire for my SACT treatment?
    Most patients will not have to travel; however, it is possible that a limited number of specialised treatments may be provided at other local centres. In this case, we will contact you to advise this as soon as possible.