DIRECTORATE OF OUTPATIENTS SERVICES

 POLICY FOR THE PREVENTION OF REGULAR USE OF CHEMOTHERAPY REGIMENS NOT ON THE APPROVED LIST

The designated location for the administration of outpatient intravenous chemotherapy for the trust is the Haematology Day Unit which is located on Mary Seacole Ward. 

All outpatient chemotherapy must be administered according to the procedures laid down in the Guidelines for the Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs (B&TGH) enclosed herein.

There is an approved list of chemotherapy regimens to be used in the South Essex Cancer Network.  The list for haematological cancer only is applicable to the Basildon site. –  A copy of the most recent list is available from Dr Paul Cervi, Lead Clinician For Chemotherapy Services for B+T NHS Trust. A copy is also held in the Medicines Information Centre, Basildon Hospital.

Any prescription for intravenous chemotherapy, which is not on the approved list should be confirmed with the prescriber and the prescriber informed that the regimen is not on the approved list.   If the prescriber wishes to proceed with the prescription, the lead clinician for Chemotherapy services, Dr Paul Cervi and the pharmacy manager, Mr Peter Croot, should be informed immediately.

Chemotherapy not on the approved list should not be prepared and issued without the agreement of the lead clinician for chemotherapy services – or in his absence the Pharmacy Manager. Any concerns should be referred to the D+T chair. Further use of the regime must have the approval of the Chemotherapy committee before it can be re-supplied.

Chemotherapy not on the approved list and prescribed by the lead clinician for chemotherapy services require the authorization of the Chairman of the D&T committee.

More than the first use of a chemotherapy regimen – not on the approved list – must be accompanied by written evidence that the regimen has been submitted to the chemotherapy subcommittee of the B&T D&T committee and the South Essex Haematology Cancer Steering Group for approval and addition to the approved list.

Signed:   ……………………………………….               Date:…………………..

                                    Dr Paul Cervi

                                           Lead Clinician for Chemotherapy services

Signed:   ……………………………………….               Date:…………………..

                                    Mr Peter Croot

                                           Pharmacy Manager

Signed:   ……………………………………….               Date:…………………..

                                    Dr Ian Barton,

                                          Chairman B&T D&T Committee.

Signed:   ……………………………………….               Date:…………………..

                                    Dr E Watts,

                                           Clinical Director, Clinical Sciences including pharmacy services.