Pharmacy Quality Assurance

Within Quality Assurance (QA) we monitor, review and report all matters which may influence the quality of products made or supplied by the pharmacy department.  We help to monitor and advise on the systems in place to ensure that medicines used within the hospital are safe for patients. Some examples of regular tasks we complete include;

Environmental Monitoring – testing the aseptic and radiopharmacy units for microbial growth to ensure the facilities meet the standards demanded by the licensing authority.

Unlicensed Medicines – most medicines we purchase have a UK product license from the MHRA that ensure the item is produced to agreed minimum standards and is safe to use. However, there are some occasions when we need to purchase ‘unlicensed medicines’ for rare conditions or to import from other countries. Where this happens, we assess these products for their safety to use.

Medical Gas Testing – we work closely with colleagues from the estates department to monitor the medical gas pipeline system, which delivers medical gases including oxygen to the patient’s bedside. The is to check that the gas delivered is the correct gas at the correct concentration and pressure as per the outlet identification and that there are no contaminants.

Defective Medicines – we investigate suspected problems reported to us with medicines & medical devices. For example, if a device is faulty, the labelling or instructions are not clear, or appears to be of a poor quality / it is suspect to be fake or counterfeit.

Temperature Monitoring – we oversee the monitoring of the temperatures in all areas on the pharmacy department – this includes multiple room temperature (ambient) storage areas, fridges and freezers. It is essential to give assurance that medicines are being stored at the correct temperatures to they remain fit for use until their expiry date is reached.