Hospital pharmacies
Hospital pharmacists are responsible for all medicines used in a hospital.
As experts in medicines, hospital pharmacists:
- purchase and dispense prescribed medicines
- provide widespread advice about the selection and administration of medicines
- provide advice about medicine doses and the most appropriate form (such as a tablet, ointment or inhaler)
- calculate doses of complex therapies such as antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents
- participate in ward rounds – taking patient drug histories and helping determine treatment
- reconcile medicines on admission, and sometimes, discharge from hospital
- work with medical staff to address any problems patients may have taking their medicines
- ensure medicines are stored appropriately and securely
- stay up to date with, and contribute to, research and development
- write guidelines for drug use and implement safe and legal practices
- supervise and teach.
Page last updated: 17/11/2022