The demand for chemotherapy services has increased dramatically in recent years, placing pressure on local cancer units as well as the cancer centre. This has resulted in an increase in waiting times for patients and puts strain on existing systems and processes. Members of staff who work in chemotherapy areas have expressed frustration at the pace of throughput and at not being able to deliver the quality of care they would wish to.  The current medical outreach model, initiated in 1998 has its inherent weaknesses and there are issues with regards to a number of single handed consultant clinics.

 

In order to address this situation, a Regional Chemotherapy Service Review is underway and a project service improvement manager appointed for two years. The aim of the review is to undertake a baseline assessment, examining current chemotherapy arrangements, workforce profile and service configuration.   From this assessment, and in line with policy, service framework standards and best practice elsewhere, recommendations will be made in relation to service improvement, workforce developments and potential new models of delivery. This project will inform the development of safe integrated chemotherapy services across Northern Ireland, which are not only clinically effective and efficient but patient centred, and in line with regional policy and patient expectations.

 

To oversee this project a steering group has been established comprising key stakeholders and a project plan developed outlining key tasks, working groups and timeframes. Details of the membership can be found in the Project Initiation Document below.

 

Project Initation Document

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Progress Report (Sept 09)

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Presentations to DHSSPSNI

• Presentation to SAC in March 09
• Presentation to CMO MDs in June 09

 

Steering Group Meetings

• Minutes 19th January 2009
• Presentation 19th January 2009
• Minutes 8th April 2009
• Minutes 1st July 2009
• Presentation 1st July 2009
• Minutes 7th October 2009
• Minutes 5th March 2010
• Minutes 4th June 2010

Working Groups

New Models of Chemotherapy Delivery   Terms of Reference   Meetings Minutes Sept 09 Presentation Sept 09 Minutes Nov 09 Minutes Feb 10 Minutes June 10 Models Workshop Report June 10	Workforce Development   Terms of Reference   Meetings Minutes Sept 09 Presentation Sept 09 Minutes Nov 09 Minutes Feb 10 Minutes May 10 Minutes July 10
Capacity Planning    Terms of Reference   Meetings Minutes Oct 09	Acute Oncology Services   Terms of Reference   Meetings Minutes Sept 09 Presentation Sept 09 AOS Workshop Report Sept 10