HPS On-site at Calvary Health Care Riverina
It is with great pleasure and excitement that HPS announces the opening of a new on-site pharmacy at Calvary Health Care Riverina in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
In addition to servicing the hospital, the contract includes delivering services to an on-site day surgery, and signifies HPS’s first partnership with a Calvary hospital outside of South Australia.
HPS’s Regional Operations Manager, VIC/TAS, Alan Tuxford, says “securing this contract delivers signifcant value for HPS’s network of pharmacies and expands our growth in regional healthcare.
“Regional healthcare presents unique challenges to service providers, and HPS’s network of pharmacies aims to overcome these by working collaboratively with Calvary Health Care Riverina to deliver continuous improvements to patient care.”
HPS has a longstanding relationship with Little Company of Mary Health Care, adding further value to the partnership late last year through the proactive re-signing of its contract and extension of services.
Calvary Health Care Riverina is a 104-bed hospital, providing a full range of both surgical and medical services to the Wagga Wagga and broader community; including cardiac, acute surgical and orthopaedics, critical care, and neurological services.
“HPS’s network of pharmacies commenced on-site pharmacy services to the hospital in August, taking over from the previous service providers, to introduce clinical services and deliver improved dispensing and imprest management,” says Alan.
“We are pleased to have maintained many of the hospital’s existing pharmacy employees, as well as increase staffing levels to facilitate the expanded services to both the hospital and day surgery,” he says.
HPS – Riverina’s Pharmacist In-Charge, Jane Smithard, says HPS has been incredibly supportive, facilitating a seamless transition of services to the hospital.
“I am excited by the improvements made by HPS to increase staffing levels, allowing us to deliver clinical services for patients moving forward, and further strengthen support for the hospital’s re-accreditation in medication safety standards,” says Jane.
Calvary Health Care Riverina’s Chief Executive Officer, Joanne Williams, is excited to be working closely with HPS to maximise the efficient use of resources, particularly in the current political and financial climate.
“HPS’s network of pharmacies has a proven track record for the provision of high quality pharmacy services to many of Calvary’s hospitals, and we are delighted with the delivery of enhanced clinical pharmacy services at Riverina to further improve patient interaction, especially in regards to medicine management,” she says.
HPS’s System Training Consultant, Angie Lawson, was instrumental in the project and says several corporate employees from varying departments travelled to Wagga Wagga to assist with the transition.
“We understand the importance of delivering a seamless transition to our clients and are elated to receive such positive feedback from employees at Calvary Health Care Riverina. HPS’s team has taken key learnings from projects similar in nature, and has delivered above expectations.
“Working alongside the pharmacy’s existing employees benefited the transition greatly as they were very familiar with current processes, allowing us to make preparations in advance.”
The success of the transition also relied on effective communication with the hospital staff, achieved through a series of nurse educational sessions held by HPS, allowing questions to be answered and for HPS’ employees to speak face-to-face with nursing staff about the service changes. It also facilitated a consultative channel for feedback where ongoing issues experienced prior to HPS’s network of pharmacies commencing services could be discussed and problem solved.
“Throughout the transition process, HPS have gone out of their way to consult with our Managers around service delivery, expectations and setting priorities for the establishment of their service. This consultation process is vital to ongoing service delivery and understanding between both parties to ensure the highest quality patient care,” says Joanne.