What is the SACT Homecare Trial Project?
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNFT) are currently trialling a new pathway for some of our chemotherapy patients, which means that they can receive more of their treatment in their own home.
We are hoping that this that this process will improve the experience of our patients, not least by reducing travel time to the hospital site and also eliminating any waiting time on our unit.
Following discussion with your consultant, we would like to invite you to participate in this trial, during which you will have your treatment at home instead of travelling to the QE hospital site and our chemo unit.
This will not delay any of your scheduled treatments as agreed with your consultant.
Staff delivering this service are fully trained in the care and management of this type of therapy, and they will ensure that your records are maintained and retained on the QE site.
How will the service work?
You will still have full access to the 24-hour helpline in the same way as you would if you were attending the chemo day unit in person.
If you decide to take part in this trial, prior to any treatment being given at home, a member of the Chemo Day unit team will provide you with detailed information on
- Medication storage
- Preparation prior to nurse arrival
- Storage and disposal of any clinical waste
Choosing to have some of your treatment at home does not require you to change your oncology consultant, and your care is still being delivered by GHNFT Chemo Day Unit.
If you require blood samples to be taken as part of your treatment schedule the nurse who administers your treatment will be able to do this as part of the SACT Homecare service.
If you decide to take part in this home treatment trial, but subsequently decide you want to change back to having your treatment at the QE site, just discuss this request with your chemotherapy nurse, or call us on the contact number provided overleaf. Changing back to on site treatment can be accommodated.
How will I receive my Medication?
Your medication will be delivered to your home address by QEF Homecare, part of the QE Facilities Pharmacy Service. The team from QEF Homecare will contact you to arrange delivery of your medication and clinical sharps bin if required. We will aim to complete the delivery around 1 to 2 days prior to your appointment.
Storing your medication
It is very important that you store your medicines correctly. All medicines should be stored out of sight and out of reach of young children. Any medicines that must be stored in the fridge will be clearly marked and labelled.
If you forget to place your medication in the fridge or you feel it has been incorrectly stored, you should let your nurse know as soon as possible before your appointment so that replacements can be organised.
We would like you to remove your medication from the fridge 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How to Contact us about your medication delivery
If you have any questions about the delivery and supply of your medicines, please contact the QEF Homecare Pharmacy Team.
If you or someone you live with develops COVID symptoms and your treatment appointment is due, please contact your nurse as soon as possible.
Contact information
24-hour Help line 07538 799765
Chemo Day Unit 0191 445 6467
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your care you should contact the manager on the Chemo Day Unit 0191 4453227