The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) says prescriptions submitted to its pharmacies undergo several checks before medication is dispensed to patients.
In a statement explaining the operations of its Pharmacy Department, the hospital said pharmacists first review prescriptions to ensure that the medication and dosage are correct.
The review also seeks to identify possible drug interactions, duplicate medication and other issues that may require clarification before a prescription is filled.
Once the checks are completed, the medication is prepared, packaged and labelled. Pharmacy staff then advise patients on when and how the medication should be taken, possible side effects and other relevant matters.
GPHC said this process, together with the number of patients being served and the quantity of medication prescribed, could affect waiting times.
“Dispensing medication is more than simply taking it from a shelf and handing it over,” the hospital said, adding that each prescription required checks and preparation.
The Pharmacy Department comprises clinical pharmacists, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, pharmacy aides and logistics and administrative personnel.
The hospital said its main and inpatient pharmacies operate around the clock. Five satellite pharmacies are also located across the hospital compound.
GPHC additionally manages pharmacy services at the Kitty, Campbellville and Industry health centres and the Festival City Polyclinic.
According to the hospital, some medication requires further preparation before it can be administered.
Certain intravenous medication at the maternity pharmacy is prepared in a controlled area using dedicated equipment to minimise the risk of contamination. Chemotherapy medication is prepared separately using specialised safety equipment intended to protect patients and the employees handling it.
GPHC said pharmacists also work with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to review medication, identify possible concerns and support patients’ treatment.
The department is also responsible for managing supplies to ensure that medication is available at the hospital and the other health facilities it serves.
While pharmacy work is sometimes viewed as simply “counting pills,” GPHC said each prescription involves a series of reviews, preparation and patient guidance intended to ensure medication is dispensed safely.
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