Royal Papworth Hospital has a dedicated pharmacy Homecare team, who, along with consultants, specialist nurses and pharmacists, are there to ensure your deliveries through Homecare are initiated, managed effectively and are there to support you.

There are just fewer than 2,000 Royal Papworth Hospital patients receiving specialist medicine deliveries to their homes. Current therapies receiving agreed Homecare medication include; Cystic Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension, Transplant, Interstitial Lung Disease, Lung Defence and Immunology. Medicines dispensed via the Homecare Service are delivered in a safe, secure and confidential manner by a third-party homecare provider.

Frequently asked questions

Please find below some answers to questions you may have about our Pharmacy service. 

How does coronavirus affect Homecare Services?

Most existing Medicines Homecare Services are continuing as normal. Your homecare provider's customer services will contact you if they need to make different arrangements to ensure your treatment continues as planned.

If you or someone in your household has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or has been advised to self-isolate, you must tell your homecare provider customer services when they call you to arrange your next delivery or nurse visit.

Routine homecare medicine deliveries continue as normal, but we will be implementing 'social distancing' so you will not be asked to sign for your delivery and driver may appear more distant than usual as they will be avoiding direct physical contact with you. The delivery driver will not come into your home unless it has been pre-arranged with your homecare provider customer services and it is really necessary (e.g. if you are unable to physically carry a heavy parcel).

During the call to arrange your next delivery or nurse visit, your homecare provider will tell you if there are any changes being made to ensure your homecare service can be delivered to you whilst keeping you, homecare staff and other homecare patients safe.

Please use your homecare provider’s website for their latest service information or go to the NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) website for the latest information and advice.

I’m running low on my medication and I have not heard anything yet, what should I do?

Please notify the pharmacy Homecare team at Royal Papworth if you have less than 14 days’ supply and have not heard from your homecare provider. The team will liaise with your homecare company on your behalf to arrange contact and delivery.

I will be away on holiday when my next delivery is due, what should I do?

You can speak directly to your homecare provider to reschedule your delivery to arrive prior to your departure. If your holiday is for a prolonged period of time then you can discuss this with the Homecare team at Royal Papworth Hospital who will liaise with your homecare company.

I have had a recent dose change, what happens next?

Your updated prescription will be forwarded onto your homecare provider and they will contact you in the normal way to arrange a delivery. Please be aware this can take up to 10 days.

I have recently moved address/have a new phone number, what should I do?

Please contact your clinic in the first instance and also the Pharmacy’s Homecare team with your new details and they will inform the homecare company. You should also confirm your details when arranging deliveries.

I work full time and cannot be there for my deliveries, what should I do?

Our homecare companies have many delivery options available. Options include delivery to places of work, friends, relatives and neighbours and evenings and weekends (not all delivery companies currently offer this service). Please discuss your concerns with the Pharmacy Homecare team at Royal Papworth Hospital.

I am disappointed with the service I am getting from the homecare company, what should I do?

Please contact your clinic or the Pharmacy Homecare team at Royal Papworth Hospital to discuss further.

How to contact the pharmacy Homecare team at Royal Papworth Hospital

The office is open between 0900 and 1700, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). An answer machine is available at all times. Any messages left outside of these hours will be responded to on the next working day.You can contact the pharmacy Homecare team by telephone or e-mail:

Telephone:

Office direct line: 01223 638540, or via switchboard: 01223 638000​​​​​​.

Email:

phn-tr.pharmacyhomecare@nhs.net