Chemotherapy Unit
The Oncology Treatment Unit is located on Fal Ward, Level 4, at University Hospital Plymouth. It is staffed by a friendly and dedicated team of specialist nurses committed to providing exceptional care.
This service supports a population of approximately 480,000, covering East Devon, West Cornwall, and the city of Plymouth. Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT) is delivered to oncology patients within the acute hospital trust setting, either as inpatients on Brent Ward or as outpatients in the Oncology Treatment Unit (Oncology Day Unit, OncDU) on Level 4.
The unit serves adult patients across the full spectrum of cancer types, delivering a variety of SACT treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other supportive therapies. Treatments range from short regimens to all-day procedures, as well as blood transfusions. A dedicated oncology pharmacist supports the unit, ensuring safe and effective care. All delivery routes for SACT are covered, including intravenous, subcutaneous, oral, intrathecal, and intrahepatic administration. The unit also actively participates in clinical trials, contributing to ongoing advancements in cancer care.
Given the diverse needs of the patients treated within the unit, multiple pathways are in place for assessing SACT treatments. These pathways vary based on whether the care is delivered to inpatients or outpatients and are tailored to the specific requirements of different oncology consulting teams. A robust standard operating procedure between the pharmacy and clinical areas ensures seamless collaboration and effectively meets patient needs.
