GPHC launches Compounding Sterile Preparation IV Program

Jun 21, 2025 News

Two clinical pharmacists; Leslyn Bunbury and Shweta Parasram (center) were awarded certificates in completing specialized training and sterile IV compounding. (Photos, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation)

Kaieteur News – The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday launched for the first time a Compounding Sterile Preparation IV Program in a bid to ensure safer medication preparation and improve pharmacy practices. It is the first such program in Guyana.

The Compounding Sterile Preparation IV Program offers numerous benefits, including improved infection control, greater medication accuracy, increased patient safety, and alignment with international quality standards.

“Over time, GPHC aims to expand sterile compounding services hospital-wide, alleviate the burden on nursing staff, and raise the overall quality and safety of care delivered to patients,” GPHC said.

The hospital in a press release said that as part of its observance of Commonwealth Pharmacy Week 2025, a new non-hazardous compounding hood at the Maternity Pharmacy was also commissioned.

“The sterile compounding hood represents a major advancement in GPHC’s ongoing efforts to modernize pharmaceutical services and enhance patient safety through the aseptic preparation of intravenous (IV) medications,” the hospital noted.

“This week’s launch is a significant milestone for both the hospital and the country. For the first time, IV medications will be compounded under sterile conditions right at GPHC: dramatically reducing the risk of contamination and improving the accuracy, safety, and quality of patient care,” GPHC added.

The new non-hazardous compounding hood which was commissioned at the GPHC’s Maternity Pharmacy.

Further, the hospital noted that through the dedication of a truly multi-disciplinary team, including professionals from Pharmacy, Nursing, Facilities, Engineering, and Medical Services, the achievements were made possible.

The GPHC said too that it also reflects the continued partnership between GPHC and Mount Sinai International, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable health system strengthening and capacity building.

Looking ahead, GPHC stated it will soon activate its Hazardous Compounding Hood (Chemotherapy Hood), already installed at the Oncology Clinic. This hood will support the safe and sterile preparation of chemotherapy medication.

Further, it was reported that nurses and doctors who currently mix these drugs will undergo specialized training to operate the hood, further enhancing safety for both patients and healthcare providers involved in oncology care. Once the clinical pharmacists are certified in chemotherapy compounding, GPHC said, they will begin mixing chemotherapy drugs in addition to non-hazardous medication.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday also, two clinical pharmacists; Leslyn Bunbury and Shweta Parasram, were awarded certificates, making them the first in the country to complete specialized training and certification in sterile IV compounding.

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Chemotherapy, Compounding Sterile Preparation, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Multi-disciplinary team, pharmacists

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