Our IBD Service

As the demand for biologic medication is increasing, fitting people in for infusions is becoming challenging. Please could everyone try and keep their appointments for infusions, as changing appointments at short notice is not always possible and may cause a delay to your infusions.

For people taking sub cut biologic medications:

It really helps your care if you track dates for repeat prescriptions. Prior to us being able to prescribe your biologic medication we need to have checked a recent blood test. Once you are down to one month worth of treatment, you should get your blood tests done. You can do this via your GP or leave a message with the Advice Line 01733 673876 to request blood test letters well in advance of requesting repeat medications. When we have checked your bloods your prescription is sent to the pharmacy and can take 14 days to be clinically checked before being sent to the home care provider to arrange a delivery.

If you are late having your blood test done, the timescales may mean your delivery is delayed and therefore you would have a break in treatment.

Blood tests are needed to monitor your condition and the medication you are on. When you're ongoing with biologic medication, you will receive a virtual clinic letter. This letter gives you information on when to have your blood tests for your next prescription, and contains the blood test forms. It is the patient's responsibility to book this blood test. Once the team has received the results they will be able to issue your next prescription. 

Patient Panel top tip: When you receive your virtual clinic letter, make a note in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone of the date to book your blood test.

The Medical Day Unit (Peterborough City) and Ambulatory Care Unit (Hinchingbrooke) is where the team give biologic medication infusions and iron infusions, alternatively you may be asked to come to the unit/ward to allow the team to assess your condition.

We ask you to be prompt for your treatment, please also allow extra time after your appointment. The gastroenterology secretaries make the appointments for your infusion times. We ask you to give priority to these appointments as it is extremely hard to cater for every one. 

When you arrive in the unit/ward the nurse will go through a check list with you before your treatment. If they have any concerns they will contact a member of our IBD team. 

Medical Day Unit (MDU)

Patients attending ACU will be allocated a nurse on arrival to the unit and will be taken to sit in a room either on their own or with another patient to be given their infusion. The infusion can last between 30 minutes and 2 hours and some patients (especially new ones) might be asked to stay up to 2 hours after their appointment to monitor observations.

Location: towards the back of PCH following signs for car park F. There is disabled parking outside the unit and within car park F itself. The unit is situated right next to the car park.

Opening Times: 8am - 8pm

Hot drinks are available throughout the day. Refreshments are available if required but we encourage patients to bring food with them if they are to be here for a prolonged period of time.

Toilet facilities near treatment rooms.

NHS WiFi available - we allow patient communication devices.