Air Filter Maintenance Services International successfully completes
The Wits Health Consortium’s (WHC’s) New Cytotoxic Pharmacy Installation
The Wits Health Consortium (WHC) together with their specialised contractor Air Filter Maintenance Services International (AFMS) has recently completed a state-of-the-art installation of a Cytotoxic Pharmacy, a critical advancement for the safe handling and preparation of cytotoxic drugs, which play a central role in cancer treatment and other therapies. This upgrade demonstrates WHC’s commitment to maintaining the highest international safety and quality standards in healthcare.
3 September, 2024
A Comprehensive Infrastructure Overhaul
The newly installed pharmacy infrastructure was meticulously designed together with AFMS to enhance safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The entire facility now boasts medical-grade, slip-resistant flooring, ensuring a sterile and secure environment. Insulated sandwich panels were added to the walls and ceilings, improving insulation and helping maintain the critical positive pressure required to keep the pharmacy free from contamination. A key feature of the upgrade is the Specialized Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, supplied and installed by AFMS, which plays an essential role in controlling temperature and humidity to meet stringent cleanroom requirements. The HVAC system is equipped with HEPA filters, ensuring that air within the drug mixing room remains uncontaminated. Complementing this is a newly integrated Building Management System (BMS) that monitors and controls the HVAC, fire detection, and security systems to ensure seamless and safe operations. The facility is also equipped with Class II Biological Safety Cabinets for handling hazardous materials, ensuring that the preparation of cytotoxic drugs remains secure and contamination-free. Strategically placed hand wash basins and eye wash stations further enhance safety protocols, while energy-efficient double-glazed windows add to the facility's cleanliness and sustainability.
Overcoming Challenges in Construction
Building a pharmacy of this calibre required careful navigation of several challenges. The AFMS team had to adhere to strict cleanroom specifications while working within the constraints of the existing structure. The integration of new HVAC and BMS systems required precise coordination, while the selection of materials and equipment had to meet rigorous international oncology pharmacy standards. This careful attention to detail ensures the safety of staff and the effectiveness of the drugs prepared within the facility.
Significance for Oncology Care
The Cytotoxic Pharmacy is a cornerstone for WHC’s oncology services, particularly in the preparation of chemotherapy drugs, which are crucial for cancer treatment. By adhering to international guidelines set by organizations like the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners, WHC ensures that both patients and healthcare professionals’ benefit from a safe, high-quality environment.
In addition to its clinical significance, the pharmacy also positions WHC at the forefront of oncology research and development. The facility is fully equipped to support not only drug preparation but also the evolving demands of cancer research, solidifying WHC’s role as a leader in pharmaceutical care and innovation.
Looking Forward
The completion of the Cytotoxic Pharmacy reflects WHC’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier medical treatment while safeguarding the health of its workforce. This facility is now fully equipped to meet the growing demands of cancer therapies and will play a pivotal role in advancing both patient care and pharmaceutical research for years to come.
