Pharmacy

Introduction to pharmacy

The Pharmacy Department is recognised as the centre of expert knowledge within Wye Valley NHS Trust on the use of medicines.

Our aim is to ensure that our patients get the maximum benefit from the medicines they receive and that medicines are managed safely within the organisation.

Where to find us

We are situated on the first floor of Hereford County Hospital, opposite Spires Restaurant. As you enter the main entrance of the hospital, head to the main corridor and turn right which will lead you to the left with lift or stairs access. Once on the first floor, head all the way down the corridor and you will find us on your left.

Work with us

We have a large diverse team of pharmacy staff who cover a wide range of services we provide. Whether you are already a trained pharmacist or are thinking of starting a completely new career, why not come and be a part of our team!  Work with us.

Services we provide

Ward based services

We have our ward based team who work on the wards, alongside other healthcare professionals, ensuring patient care is always at the forefront of our service.

The use of medicines is the most common clinical intervention made by the NHS. Our aim is to ensure that our patients get the maximum benefit from the medicines they receive. We offer clinical support for staff and advice for patients to maintain patient safety relating to patient medication.

Service covers

Medical Specialities: Lugg, Wye, Arrow and Redbrook Wards at Hereford County Hospital

Surgical Specialities: Frome, Gilwern, Teme Wards and Day Case Surgical Unit at Hereford County Hospital

Frailty: Ashgrove, Dinmore and Garway Wards at Hereford County Hospital

Acute: Acute Medical Unit, Same Day Emergency Care and Emergency Department at Hereford County Hospital

Dispensary

Dispensary is the hub of the department.  It is located on the first floor of The County Hospital, which is directly above the Emergency department and opposite Spires Restaurant.

Day to day, we will receive all different types of prescriptions and requisitions for medication - whether that is from a patient bringing their outpatient prescription to us or an order from the ward.  We also issue medicines to community hospitals and St. Michael's Hospice.

In the dispensary, you will find at least one pharmacist, an ACT (checking technician) and our Assistant Technical Officer for dispensing and customer service.

Technical services

Pharmacy technical services primarily supplies chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer.  This includes both oral chemotherapy (tablets) and injectable chemotherapy. Pharmacy staff undergo specific training to prepare Intra Venous (IV) chemotherapy in within our aseptic manufacturing unit. Chemotherapy is high-risk medication, so there are multiple checks throughout the process – from receiving the prescription to supplying the final product.

As well as chemotherapy, we supply IV medication for non-cancer specialties e.g. Gastroenterology and Rheumatology. We supply IV nutrition to Frome Surgical ward and ITU and we manage the supply of clinical trial medication within the Trust.

The Pharmacy Technical Services team works closely with both the main pharmacy and the Macmillan Renton Unit. We aim to provide an excellent service for our patient under our care.

Herefordshire joint medicine formulary

Visit the Herefordshire joint medicine formulary website.