Our approach
To secure the effectiveness and safety of drug treatment, we work to support the appropriate use of medication through the following.
Nearly 100% of our outpatient prescriptions are issued for dispensing at an outside pharmacy, so our pharmacy department's work here centres mainly on inpatient care.
Before dispensing
Before dispensing, we check prior prescription records and the electronic medical record for whether a medication is being used correctly and whether a combination of medications could cause a problem, checking with the prescribing physician where something is unclear. We check past medication side effects and allergies the same way.
Oral medication
Dispensed according to the physician's prescription. Where a patient is not managing their own medication, we package multiple doses together where practical, each package printed with the patient card number, patient name, medication name, dose, and how to take it, to support confirming the right medication for the right patient at the right time.
Injectable medication
Dispensed according to the physician's prescription and prepared individually for each administration. Chemotherapy and similar medications are mixed using dedicated safety cabinet equipment within the pharmacy department.
Medication counselling
We talk with patients and families about their medication (purpose, precautions when taking it) and, where a device such as an insulin pen or inhaler is involved, how to use it, supporting patients through the course of their treatment.
Medication and information management
Effective drug treatment depends on having the right medication, of assured quality, ready where it's needed, so we manage purchasing and inventory closely. We also gather, organise, and share up-to-date medication information for both clinical staff and patients.
Team-based care
Beyond regular duties, our pharmacists take part in team-based initiatives including patient safety, infection control (ICT), nutrition support (NST), palliative care support, pressure-injury prevention, departmental case conferences, and quality management.
Equipment
Electronic medical records, pharmacy operations and ordering/inventory systems, an automated tablet packaging machine linked to our medication history system, a powder packaging machine, a powder-dispensing verification system, and safety cabinet equipment for hazardous medication preparation.
To book a visit, please use the form or call us. You can give up to three preferred dates, and choose from multiple time slots for each.