Inpatient Pharmacy Services

Our Inpatient Pharmacy Team

Our pharmacy team is made up of licensed pharmacists and technicians who work inside the hospital, helping manage and optimize medications for patients during their hospital stay. Though you may not see them during your stay, they are an essential part of your care team, working closely with physicians, providers, and nursing employees to make sure medications are safe, effective, and tailored to your needs. 

Can I bring my own medications to the hospital?

You may be asked to bring your medications to the hospital when you are admitted so your physician can verify the medications and doses. Following a review of the medications, we recommend that the medications be sent home with a friend or family member. If this is not possible, the hospital has a place to store them safely until you are discharged.

In special cases, it may be necessary for you to take your own medication while in the hospital. Your physician will communicate this with the nurses and pharmacists. In order for medications to qualify for use, they must be in their original, labeled prescription container. The medications will be sent to the hospital pharmacy for identification and bar coding. After this is completed, your medications will be stored in a locked box outside your room and the nursing staff will administer them to you as ordered by your physician.

If you are admitted under the status of observation or as an outpatient and are covered by Medicare, you will be financially responsible for all oral medications administered to you during your stay. Medicare does not cover medications for these admissions.

Safety First

Patient safety is fundamental to all that we do. It's what drives us to embrace the latest innovations so we can be sure that we always give the correct drug and the correct dose to every patient.

• We track each patient individually.
• Drug distribution is done primarily through automated devices on each unit that are interfaced with the pharmacy computer system. Our pharmacists review each order written by prescribers.
• We use barcode technology to scan patient armbands, along with medications, so we get the right patient, with the right medication, and the right dose. We also use barcode technology to stock ATM-type cabinets with medications in each nursing unit and care area. Barcode technology is used throughout the purchasing and restocking process, so the right medication is stocked in the correct location in each medication cabinet.
• Our pharmacy is staffed by registered pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians.

We use a particulate-free clean room for sterile compounding of medications such as chemotherapy drugs, intravenous nutrition replacement, and intravenous solutions.

Transition of Care Team

We have recently started a transition of care program in inpatient pharmacy. This team serves as a bridge between inpatient and outpatient care, providing continuity and safety in medication management. Their role includes matching medications at admission and discharge, educating patients and caregivers on medication regimens, identifying medication errors along with reducing medication-related risks, and communicating with your outpatient provider and pharmacy if necessary.