Papers

Evaluating the impact of major investment in aseptic preparation on capacity and collaboration

By Robert J. Gandy, MSc, FIS, and Ian M. Beaumont, BSc, MRPharmS

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Robert Gandy is a NHS health care consultant and Ian Beaumont is director of Quality Control North West and regional quality assurance pharmacist, based at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport.

Correspondence to Robert Gandy at rob.gandy@ntlworld.com

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE — To evaluate the effect of a major capital investment programme for aseptic units in the north-west of England.

METHODS — Aseptic products production and use data for the financial year 2003/04 were collected and analysed. Data were compared against those recorded in the financial year 1998/99 and against targets that were put in place at the start of the capital investment programme.

RESULTS — The number of aseptic products produced at trusts in the north-west of England has increased by 48 per cent and the number used has increased by 45 per cent. The number and proportion of licensed units has increased and cabinets are being used more intensively. Indicators suggest that there is more collaboration between trusts. Production targets were exceeded at two of the eight trusts to receive monies, and production increased, although not by as much as projected, at the other six trusts.

CONCLUSIONS — Beneficial changes relating to the way aseptic production facilities are used have been made, seemingly as a result of the investment programme. The programme also seems to have acted as a catalyst for improvements in production performance across all 36 acute trust sites in the north-west of England. Lessons learnt from trusts in the north-west of England are likely to be useful where similar investments are planned elsewhere.