Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) has today announced that pharmacy services at Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre (AWRCC) will transition from Ramsay Health Care (RHC) to AWH management as of 28 August 2026, following AWH’s decision not to extend the current pharmacy operating arrangements at AWRCC beyond their current term.
AWH has operated the AWRCC oncology ward and chemotherapy unit as part of the public health service since January 2026, and AWH and RHC have continued working closely with a shared focus on patient safety, continuity of care, and support for staff.
For patients, this transition is intended to complement how pharmacy support is embedded within the cancer care team as part of the public health service. It will mean patients can speak with a hospital pharmacist as part of their care journey, including discussing medicines, treatment side effects and how to take medicines as prescribed. The pharmacist will also support discharge planning, so patients leave hospital with the medicines they need and information about their medicine schedule. Where needed, the hospital pharmacist can coordinate ongoing medication with a patient’s GP and local community pharmacy.
Patient treatment schedules and medication supply will continue without interruption. As part of AWH’s operating model from 28 August 2026, an AWH clinical pharmacist can be more closely involved in day-to-day patient care, forming part of the care team on the Day Chemotherapy Unit and Oncology Ward, and working alongside doctors and nurses.
AWH and RHC are working closely on staffing arrangements as part of the change. AWH looks forward to welcoming members of the RHC pharmacy team to AWH so patients can continue to see familiar faces and keep benefiting from local expertise. Both organisations are committed to keeping staff informed, consulted, and supported throughout the transition.
AWH Chief Operating Officer, Linda Hudec, said: “We are grateful to RHC for the continuation of pharmacy services over the last six months. AWH acknowledges the contribution RHC has made to the delivery of pharmacy services at the AWRCC and thanks them for their dedication and care for the Border community over many years.
She added: “I’m excited about the benefits this transition will bring for our patients, including the convenience of a one-stop shop for appointments and medicines, and the opportunity to speak with a pharmacist as part of Day Procedures when they need advice or support.”
Further updates will be provided as the transition progresses with AWH and RHC remaining committed to working together to support patients, families and staff.
Q&A
What is changing?
From 28 August 2026, cancer-related pharmacy services at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre (AWRCC) will transition to be managed by Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) as part of the public operating model, following AWH’s decision not to extend the current pharmacy operating arrangement at AWRCC beyond its current term.
AWH acknowledges Ramsay Pharmacy’s longstanding contribution to supporting cancer patients at AWRCC and thanks Ramsay for its partnership and expertise. We look forward to maintaining a beneficial relationship.
What services are covered by the transition?
The transition covers pharmacy and medication management services supporting cancer care at AWRCC, including the Day Chemotherapy Unit, Oncology Ward, Outpatient clinics and patients treated in AWH inpatient wards.
Does this include clinical trials?
Yes. Clinical trial pharmacy services are included in the transition. We are working through the operational details now to ensure clinical trials continue safely and without interruption. Under the in-house model, AWH will manage clinical trial pharmacy services, supported by our internal research team and in partnership with the Border Medical Oncology Research Unit.
Why is this change happening?
This change brings cancer pharmacy services at AWRCC into AWH as part of the public operating model. It means clinical pharmacists can be more closely involved in day-to-day patient care, working directly with doctors and nurses, including on the Day Chemotherapy Unit and Oncology Ward. Throughout the transition, AWH and RHC are working together to maintain continuity of care, including medication supply and clinical trial pharmacy services.
Is Ramsay Pharmacy stopping immediately?
No. Ramsay Pharmacy will continue to provide the service until the transition date of 28 August 2026. AWH and Ramsay Pharmacy will work together throughout the changeover to minimise impacts on patients and staff.
When will the transition occur?
The transition is planned to be operational by 28 August 2026. Any changes to this date will be clearly communicated.
What are the main priorities for the pharmacy transition?
The priorities are to keep patient care safe and uninterrupted, make sure medicines are available when needed, support staff through the change, and confirm the right systems and processes are in place before go-live.
Will patient treatment be disrupted?
Planning for the transition is focused on keeping patient care continuous and safe, including medication supply and access to pharmacy support. Patients do not need to do anything different because of this change.
Have staff been informed of changes?
Yes. Staff have been informed, and AWH and RHC are working together on workforce arrangements to support a smooth transition. Affected staff will be consulted and supported throughout the process, with further updates provided as details are confirmed.
How will patients be informed?
Patients and families will be informed directly through targeted communications, supported by clinical teams and patient-facing materials where required.
How will service partners be involved?
AWH will work with service partners throughout the transition. This includes confirming key contacts, how referrals and handovers will work, and where to direct questions about medicines, so patients continue to experience smooth and coordinated care.