VCHS unveils new pharmacy
ORD, Neb. – Valley County Health System (VCHS) Pharmacy is getting a face-lift due to federal regulation changes, space requirements and other upgrades needed for proper patient care and employee safety when handling hazardous medications, including Chemotherapy.
The Prescription Drug Safety Act (Nebraska LB 37) requires any person in Nebraska authorized to compound to be in compliance with the standards of Chapters 795, 797 and 800 of The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and The National Formulary. All persons who prepare compounded sterile preparations (CSP) and all places where these compounds are prepared must follow the criteria.
Sterile compounding facilities must have a clean room, an area in which airborne particles are controlled to meet a specified airborne particulate class. “The changes needed to meet these requirements are tremendous,” Tracy Reiner, RPh, says. “However, they are necessary to provide the safest and highest quality of care to our patients.”
Hazardous drugs, such as chemotherapy, must be stored and compounded in a Negative Pressure Hood/Room. The pharmacy update created a Negative Pressure Room which will also allow VCHS to compound Chemotherapy drugs in-house. VCHS will be able to meet the oncology needs of our patients close to home.
The remodel began in April 2018 and has consisted of expanding the old pharmacy into the employee locker room. Special flooring, paint and doors were necessary to meet the specific requirements. Instead of purchasing new cabinets, Reiner requested cabinets from the old hospital to be refurbished and installed. “The transformation of the Pharmacy has been incredible,” says Reiner. “Being able to refurbish the old cabinets not only saved thousands of dollars, but it brought a bit of nostalgia to the facility.”
Just a few finishing touches remain, as well as, a final inspection. “Tracy’s dedication to this project has been remarkable,” Vicki Bredthauer, CNO, says. “She has been directly involved in all aspects of this project and her hard work and creativity resulted in a modern, safe work environment that will better serve our patients.”
Anyone needing special infusions, including Chemotherapy, can get this service at VCHS. For more information, call 308.728.4249.
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Pictured: Vicki Bredthauer, CNO, and Tracy Reiner, RPh, next to the refurbished cabinets in the newly remodeled VCHS Pharmacy. The restoration of the old cabinets saved nearly $40,000 in the total cost of the project.
