Under the leadership of the Director of pharmacy Scott Padgen, PharmD., Centregra Health System has decided to expand and improve patient care by adding an Emergency Department Pharmacist.

Emergency department pharmacists are a still-rare innovation. Emergency medicine pharmacy practice has existed for over 30 years, however, in recent years the specialty has grown significantly. The Pharmacists aren’t there to dispense pills but rather to work as full-time troubleshooters and consultants to the doctors and nurses on the critical care team.

Some of the job duties include dosing medications following institutional protocols ordered by the physician and participating in critical care events.

Being present in the emergency room also allows for patients to receive medications in a more timely fashion. The goal of being present in the emergency room is to improve patient care, reduce costs, and reduce medication errors. The pharmacist can also spot ways to save money, by avoiding wasted medication, suggesting less-expensive drugs or pointing out less expensive ways to deliver the medication.