Renovated pharmacy brings updates to Squamish General Hospital
The $1.2 million dollar upgrade to Squamish General Hospital’s pharmacy is officially opened earlier this week, with staff celebrating their ability to use the new state-of-the-art facilities to help treat patients at Squamish General Hospital (SGH), Hilltop House residential care facility and outpatient chemotherapy clinics.
The expansion has improved the safety of pharmacy staff when they prepare cancer chemotherapy, which often involves the handling of hazardous drugs. The new facility features a reverse pressure room complete with a mixing hood so staff can prepare sterile medications while harmful chemicals are vented away. In addition, the pharmacy has a new counselling room where pharmacists can consult privately with patients.
“Moving the chemotherapy mixing facility has enabled us to create a dedicated space that meets national safety and WorkSafe BC standards,” says SGH pharmacy manager Jane McQuinn. “The new pharmacy also means we’re fully equipped to accommodate out-patient chemotherapy treatments and any additional demand that comes from Hilltop House as more beds are opened.”
The project was funded by Vancouver Coastal Health in partnership with the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District ($413,000) and the Squamish Rotary Club ($188,000).
Pharmacy technician Jennifer Ber is appreciative of the new working environment for all Squamish Pharmacy staff.