Oncology Pharmacy

The Scott & White Oncology Pharmacy Team is the group responsible for the review and the preparation of chemotherapy agents in the clinic and hospital. We are located inside the 1A Hematology/Oncology treatment room and staffed by two full time pharmacists and one full time technician. In addition, another pharmacist provides management and staffing assistance, and one covers the hospital oncology unit on 6-East.

There are many steps involved along the way before a patient can receive chemotherapy. A patient is seen by the oncologist and nurse clinician, orders are written and sent to the Oncology Pharmacy for preparation. The Oncology Pharmacist reviews the orders for accuracy and completeness, checks the patient's lab results, and serves as an important double check. The orders are manually profiled on the patient's record, entered into the computer and labels generated for mixing by our technician. The admixing of chemotherapy occurs in a biological safety cabinet designed to create a clean environment, as well as to protect the individual admixing. In addition, special types of gowns and gloves are worn to protect skin and clothing. After the product is prepared, a second pharmacist then checks the product against the label and order, signs out on the manual profile and delivers the medications to the patient.

Depending on how many medications are ordered for a patient and the number of people being treated in the treatment room, there are times when delays can occur. If there are any questions about the orders, the nurse clinician or oncologist is contacted. For patients who are on treatment protocols, the oncology pharmacist assures that the patient is registered on study and that all drug orders are in compliance with the information in the study protocol.

Another important function of the Oncology Pharmacy is counseling patients about their medications, whether new patients placed on therapy or change of therapies. Patients are encouraged to contact us regarding any questions they have about their medications. The Oncology Pharmacy is also responsible for all investigational drugs used in Oncology, providing inservices for staff on new drugs, rounding with the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Team, making recommendations for dosing of anti-nausea medications, as well as numerous other tasks. The pharmacist on 6-East is an active member of the hospital Adult Hematology/Oncology Team and provides clinical and educational support for patients and staff. Our technician is essential to our operation by providing admixture of chemotherapy, restocking drugs and supplies and running financial reports.

If we in the Oncology Pharmacy can be of any assistance to you, please give us a call at 254-724-4027. We welcome your questions and comments.

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