Joint BOPA and PASG Position Statement Safer Handling of Hazardous SACT Drugs: A Pharmacy Workforce Position Statement
BOPA and PASG Publish Joint Position Statement on the Safer Handling of Hazardous SACT Drugs
The British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) and the NHS Pharmaceutical Aseptic Services Group (PASG) have today published a joint position statement titled: Safer Handling of Hazardous SACT Drugs: A Pharmacy Workforce Position Statement.
The document outlines the shared commitment of both organisations to ensuring the safe and effective preparation, handling, administration, and disposal of Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) and cytotoxic medicines. It emphasises the importance of protecting patients and the healthcare workforce through robust systems, appropriate equipment, and evidence-based governance.
In response to ongoing discussions across the healthcare community, the statement recognises the need for national collaboration to minimise occupational exposure to hazardous medicines. It calls for a review of current practices and further research to ensure future recommendations are proportionate, practical, and sustainable.
“The safety of the pharmacy workforce is integral to the delivery of high-quality oncology care,” Louisa Knowles, Advanced Pharmacist for Technical Services, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of PASG
“This position statement highlights our collective determination to base future guidance on evidence, feasibility, and shared learning across the UK.” Netty Cracknell, Principal Cancer Pharmacist at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust on behalf of BOPA
Key aims of the statement include:
- Clarifying the evidence base on occupational exposure risks and control measures, including the use of closed system transfer devices (CSTDs).
- Understanding operational and practical impacts of potential safety interventions.
- Promoting guidance that balances safety, capacity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
The statement has been endorsed by BOPA and the PASG Executive Committees and is intended for circulation across pharmacy, nursing, occupational health, and multidisciplinary teams involved in the handling of SACT and cytotoxic drugs.
The full statement can be found HERE
Contact:
📧 [email protected] | [email protected]
🌐 www.bopa.org.uk | www.pasg.nhs.uk
About BOPA: The British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) is the UK professional organisation for cancer pharmacy specialists, supporting excellence in oncology pharmacy practice, education, and research.
About PASG: The NHS Pharmaceutical Aseptic Services Group (PASG) provides expert guidance on NHS pharmacy-based aseptic preparation, supporting the development and governance of aseptic services across the UK.
