Hospital pharmacies

About 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 the hospital

• work with medical staff to address any problems patients may have taken 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.

Location and contact