Pharmacy
Pharmacy services are provided to Ashland Community Hospital patients by a staff of Registered Pharmacists and Certified Pharmacy Technicians. Services include purchasing medications and assuring their proper storage and safe distribution. Pharmacy also delivers a myriad of services related to drugs and their appropriate use.
Hospital Medication Formulary:
ACH physicians and pharmacists decide which drugs will be regularly stocked in the hospital. This process evaluates safety, cost, and the minimization of duplicate medications in the same drug family. The hospital formulary is regularly reviewed as new drugs are developed and more knowledge is gained by the medical community. Many brand name drugs are very similar to others. Our Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee will select one or more drugs from each drug class so that patient care can be optimized in a cost effective manner.
Pharmacy Information Services:
A major component of medical care is the availability of current and accurate information concerning medications Our pharmacists are skilled at obtaining the latest evidenced-based knowledge concerning drug side effects, interactions, and indications for use. Medication orders, as well as allergies, disease states and kidney function, are reviewed by a pharmacist prior to medication administration. This helps assure that the proper drug is being used in the proper dose at the proper time.
Participation in developing health-care computer systems: ACH is constantly upgrading its many computer systems to assure the best level of patient care. Currently, a hospital-wide electronic charting and barcode drug administration system is being implemented by a team of our healthcare professionals. Pharmacy plays a key role in this process.
A note to patients: It is important for you to keep a list of your current medications, along with the times you take them and what they’re being used for. This list should include medications you take regularly, both prescription and non-prescription (e.g.: vitamin and herbal preparations). Also, you should include information about any medications that have caused you big problems in the past. Of particular importance is to note what happened (e.g.: vomiting, rash, breathing difficulties, etc), and when was the last time you had the bad experience with the medicine. Please bring this list with you any time you come to the hospital, your doctor’s office or your pharmacy. This helps assure that you will receive the best level of care from each medical professional who treats you. Remember, it’s your health, and you need to be an active participant in making your healthcare decisions.
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