New cancer systems

A new system that speeds up the issuing of chemotherapy prescriptions is to be used in local hospitals across the Sussex Cancer Network.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Jul 2007, 20:48 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:22 BST

The Chemocare Oncology Electronic Prescribing system, when fully installed, will allow cancer consultants to electronically enter patient information and cancer treatment details at The Conquest Hospital Hastings, Eastbourne General Hospital, The Royal Sussex County Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital and Worthing Hospital sites.

Currently, prescriptions are paper based and require meticulous entry. The process is further complicated by coordinating patient hospital appointments and producing test results.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The new system will guide consultants through a much simpler process until all the information is complete, and a prescription is electronically produced. The issue of the prescription to pharmacists and nurses is instant.

Dr Fiona Mckinna, consultant oncologist from Eastbourne said:

"I am really pleased that we will soon be able to start using the new electronic system which will make a real difference to patients. As well as reducing the time cancer patients wait within hospital outpatient clinics, the system will free up more time for staff to spend with patients".

Deborah Tomalin, Sussex Cancer Network director said:

"Being able to buy a prescribing system for the four chemotherapy units within the Sussex Cancer Network is the result of lots of hard work by managers and clinicians working together across the network. The system will be fully installed by March 2010 and we are all excited about the many benefits this will bring, including improving patient safety, speeding up the prescribing process and making best use of drug resources".

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Sussex Cancer Network signed a contract with CliniSys Oncology Ltd. who will be providing the Chemocare system.

The Sussex Cancer Network was first established in 1996. It is one of 34 cancer networks in England stretching from Rye to Shoreham and up to Haywards Heath.

Cancer Networks are managed clinical networks which aim to reduce inequalities in access and quality of cancer care by bringing together multiple organisations, professional groups, commissioners and patients to improve the seamless service provision across organisational and professional boundaries.

The SCN Office and network management team is based in Lewes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The network is accountable through its Network Executive Board to its statutory NHS organisations and South East Coast Strategic Health Authority.

There are over 6000 new cancers a year within the SCN (20% above the national average)