Skip to page content

We use cookies to provide you with a better service. Carry on browsing if you’re happy with this or read more about our cookie policy and privacy policy.

Dismiss

Update on Pharmacy Aseptic Manufacturing Unit (PASU) at Cheltenham General Hospital

6 Aug 2026, 5:45 p.m.

Update on Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) production at Cheltenham General Hospital and what this means for patients receiving SACT at our hospitals.

On this page

We are working hard to deliver a new purpose-built modular Pharmacy Aseptic Services Unit (PASU) at Cheltenham General Hospital, which we estimate will open in spring 2027.

This follows the precautionary decision taken in 2025 to temporarily pause the production of Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) drugs in our previous pharmacy manufacturing unit after a routine inspection of these sterile production facilities.

At that time, we began sourcing SACT medicines from trusted external partners who meet strict quality and safety requirements, ensuring patients continued to receive their treatment without interruption.

What this means for your care

  • This situation does not affect the safety of any chemotherapy treatment you have already received or are due to receive
  • Most patients continue to receive their treatment locally as planned at Cheltenham General Hospital (Avening Ward) or Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (Edward Jenner Unit)
  • A small number of patients who are prescribed certain drugs may experience changes to treatment schedules or be asked to attend another hospital such as Bristol or Hereford when we cannot source and provide the treatment locally.
  • In a few cases, treatments may be delayed at short notice if medicines are not available. In this case, your appointment will be rescheduled urgently.
  • We know how important consistency and communication are during cancer treatment and will keep you informed every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Why has SACT production been paused at Cheltenham General Hospital?
    We paused in-house production following concerns raised during a routine inspection of our sterile manufacturing environment. This was a precaution to ensure the highest standards of patient safety.
  2. Are the SACT medicines I am receiving still safe and effective?
    Yes. All SACT drugs are now being provided by trusted external suppliers who meet strict quality and safety standards. Your treatment continues to be safe and effective.
  3. Will my treatment be delayed or cancelled?
    Most patients will continue with their treatment as planned. If your appointment needs to be changed, our team will contact you directly. If you do not hear from us, please attend your appointment as usual.
  4. Why might there be delays on the day of my appointment?
    As the SACT drugs are now being delivered from external providers, we are taking extra time to check and prepare them to the highest standards. This may cause short-term delays on the day of treatment. In a very small number of cases, a medicine may reach its expiry date before we are able to give it. If this happens, we will reschedule your treatment as quickly as possible.
  5. Does this only affect patients attending Cheltenham General Hospital for SACT treatment?
    No. It also impacts patients who attend the Edward Jenner Unit for haematology treatment and children attending paediatric oncology appointments at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
  6. Will I have to travel away from Gloucestershire for my SACT treatment?
    Most patients will not have to travel. However, a small number of specialist treatments may need to be delivered at other local centres. If this applies to you, we will contact you directly to explain the options.
  7. Can you still provide Intrathecal chemotherapy treatment?
    Yes, we are able to source intrathecal chemotherapy. Intrathecal chemotherapy is used for certain cancers, especially in children or in some blood cancers.