Cancer patients get quicker access to medication

Cancer patients in Jersey can get quicker access to medication they may need to support them while having treatment, health bosses say.

Patients can now be prescribed and get direct access to painkillers, antibiotics, anti-nausea tablets, laxatives and other medications.

Oncology unit manager Rachael Conway said it meant "less time" spent in hospital for people receiving treatment and that the initiative took pressure off the pharmacy and medical staff.

She said patients attending routine appointments and those registered with them who attended at short-notice would benefit from the new system.

Previously, patients who needed additional medication to their cancer treatment had to get a prescription and then wait in the hospital for the pharmacy to dispense medicines.

Cancer patient Sue Letherbarrow said sometimes the pharmacy would have a "two, three, four-hour delay" to get medication.

"The new system makes the transition much easier," she said.

Rachael Conway said staff were looking at ways to "improve the patient's journey" and they wanted to help reduce times spent in hospital.

As part of a wider cancer strategy, in observance of World Cancer Day on Tuesday, the Jersey Library is hosting an event - World Cancer Day, Closer to Home.

Organisers said people could ask questions and engage with medical strategy leaders, as well as talk to various charities and services.

The free event is being held from 10:00-15:00 GMT.

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