The Kingston General Hospital Department of Pharmacy Services is a hospital pharmacy that services patients who have been admitted to the hospital, patients who are in a clinic, patients in the emergency department and outpatients who use very specialized drugs (e.g. Aranesp, Epoetin, Lanthanum, Renagel, Sensipar). Regular prescriptions for use at home are obtained from a community pharmacy.
WHAT DOES A HOSPITAL PHARMACIST DO?
At KGH, pharmacists are involved in several aspects of patient care that include
- obtaining the home medication history on admission in collaboration with the physicians
- reviewing all medications ordered for accuracy and safety
- providing medication information for new medications started in the hospital in collaboration with the nurses
- monitoring blood drug levels to ensure optimal dosing of medications
- ensuring best use of antibiotics in the hospital
- supporting the hospital drug formulary
- developing procedures and guidelines for the safe use of drugs
HOW DO I GET MY MEDICATIONS DELIVERED?
In the hospital, all medications are procured and distributed by the hospital pharmacy. On the patient care units, the medications are stored in the medication rooms in automated dispensing cabinet that looks much like a vending machine. Nurses are able to check the computer for what medications you have been ordered by the doctor and take out the drugs that need to be given. Pharmacy technicians restock this cabinets daily.
HOW ARE YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS VERIFIED?
All medication orders are sent down to the pharmacy where a pharmacist will review the medication for safety and appropriateness. These medications are then entered into the computer by the pharmacy technician and will become accessible by the nurses on the floor. The nurses also check the order to the MAR (Medication Admission Record) and the actual medication to make sure you get the right medication at the right time.
