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Before Treatment

About this resource
Author: Waterloo-Wellington Regional Cancer Program
Revised: October 2024

Services for Patients of Grand River Regional Cancer Centre

Contact Information

Where is the Cancer Centre Retail Pharmacy?

The Cancer Centre Retail Pharmacy (CCRP) is found inside WRHN Cancer Centre (WRHNCC). You can find the CCRP on the 4th Floor. Note that you are on the 3rd floor (main floor) when you enter the cancer centre.

If you take the cancer centre elevator, turn right when you walk out of the elevator doors (Picture 1).

If you choose to use the stairs, you will see the CCRP to your left as you reach the top.

Pharmacy counter with service window, informational signs, and visible shelves of medication in a hospital setting.

Cancer Centre Retail Pharmacy found on the 4th floor of WRHN CC

Services

The CCRP serves all WRHN Cancer Centre patients. The CCRP team works closely with your cancer health care team, and other pharmacies.

Body copy: The CCRP can fill any prescription from your cancer health care team. They work closely with Grand River Hospital’s Health Care Centre Pharmacy (found inside the main entrance of GRH). Both pharmacies have the same access to your health records. Based on your needs you might need to visit 1 or both of these sites. Talk to your Pharmacist to find out how/where to access a drug or health product.

CCRP services you can access:

  • Special drugs for cancer patients that are not found in community pharmacies In-person teaching about your cancer drugs
  • Free delivery of cancer drugs to your home, on weekdays Patient call back program
  • Help finding special ways to access or pay for cancer drugs

Patient Call Back Program

The Patient Call Back Program has a pharmacist call you 1 week after starting your cancer drugs. This gives you the chance to ask questions about your drugs or the side effects you are feeling.

Steps to Get Your Prescription at the CCRP

The steps below will guide you in getting your prescription drugs for cancer treatment. Follow these steps every time you are getting a prescription filled at Grand River Regional Cancer Centre’s Cancer Centre Retail Pharmacy (CCRP).

Step 1: If time allows, tell the CCRP team that you are here for your visit with your Oncologist (cancer doctor). This will help them create your pharmacy profile and start the process of getting your drugs ready.

Step 2: Fill out Your Symptoms Matter on your cell phone or a kiosk.

Step 3: Go to your visit with your Oncologist.

Step 4:  After seeing your Oncologist, check-in again with the CCRP. They will let you know the next steps to get your drugs. You may need to update your health/contact information at this time.

Step 5:  Sit across from the CCRP while the team reviews your prescription. Wait for a pharmacist to call you up on the counter to give you your prescriptions and give final details about your drugs.

What Might Delay Your Prescription?

  • Your prescription might take a little longer than usual if: The pharmacist needs to check your insurance details Special funding for your drug(s) is needed
  • The oncologist’s order for your drugs is waiting to be checked over by the clinic pharmacist (e.g. if they are waiting for your bloodwork results)
  • The CCRP pharmacist needs extra time to get your drugs ready Your drugs are not in stock, or need to be ordered
  • There are other patients ahead of you

Updating Your Drugs With the Health Care Team

Let your pharmacy know when you start, stop or change the dose of a drug. This will help keep your health care team up to date on the drugs and supplements you are taking.

Let the CCRP know of any changes to:

  • Prescription drugs (e.g. pills for diabetes, blood pressure, or other health issues that are not cancer)
  • Over the counter drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Melatonin)
  • Natural health products or supplements (e.g. Vitamins, herbal supplements, mushrooms, creatine etc.)

Common Questions

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Use this resource for your information only. It does not replace medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professionals.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.cancerwaterloowelllington.ca