The Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has received the significant investment from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The new machine, known as a negative pressure isolator, is crucial for the safe preparation of high-risk medications, including ready-to-administer injectable medicines such as chemotherapy and specialist treatments. It ensures medication is prepared in a tightly controlled environment, vital for novel drugs used in clinical trials.
This funding will provide additional space for drug preparation and improve access to medication for all patients, encompassing both research and non-research cases. Louise Paatz, Accountable Pharmacist for Aseptic Services, expressed her delight, stating, “I’m delighted that colleagues from our research and development team have been able to procure this important equipment. It means we can continue to support safe service delivery and maintain access to research and new therapies which in turn will benefit our patients. It’s going to make a real difference.”
In addition to the isolator, the Trust's Research and Development team has funded two new posts. These roles will be split between research support and standard care, increasing capacity. This will expedite set-up times for new trials, ensure patient safety, and allow existing team members to concentrate on delivering treatment.
Dr Fiona Roberts, Research and Development Director, highlighted the importance of research within the NHS. “Research forms an essential part of the NHS. It’s a government high-priority area and a key enabler in our new Trust strategy,” she explained. “As a successful research active Trust not only do we offer our local population the opportunity to access new and novel treatments, but we can access other NIHR investment opportunities. This brings in new additional external funding to improve our Trust infrastructure such as this isolator unit in pharmacy aseptic services, creating much needed additional capacity and capability for both trials and standard of care work.”
