Profession

North York General Hospital has both an inpatient pharmacy department and an outpatient pharmacy at the General site.

Inpatient Pharmacy

We are technologically advanced, with an electronic medical record (encompassing computerized clinician order entry/prescribing and electronic MAR), barcoding to enhance a closed loop medication management system, and evidence-based clinical decision support systems.

Pharmacy Services provides medication dispensing according to safe medication practice guidelines for all oral, intravenous (IV), and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) therapies. As well, we manufacture medications that are not readily available in required dosages for paediatric and neonatal intensive care patients. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for the preparation, manufacturing, and dispensing of the majority of oral, IV, TPN, and chemotherapy medications using a variety of technological equipment and applications. Pharmacy Technicians in certain areas are also involved in doing best possible medication histories and drug access facilitation.

In addition to verifying all medications prepared and dispensed through Pharmacy Services, pharmacists provide care to patients, in collaboration with the interprofessional team. Pharmacist’s services for the inpatient care areas includes:

  • Obtaining a best possible medication history and allergy verification upon admission.
  • Assessing all new medication orders to ensure appropriateness and completeness.
  • Monitoring a patient's response to therapy, potential medication-related problems or adverse effects of treatment and developing a therapeutic care plan.
  • Attending patient care rounds.
  • Providing drug information and medication education to health care providers.
  • Providing medication counselling and education to patients and their caregivers. 

Outpatient Pharmacy

North York General's Outpatient Pharmacy services are provided at the General site and rotations are offered there. The Outpatient Pharmacy provides prescription and over-the-counter drug services, using state-of-the-art technology such as the Beacon® dispensing system. The outpatient pharmacy also provides drug distribution and pharmacist consultant services to Seniors Health Centre, the hospital’s long-term care facility.  Other services include consultations on medication use, individualized one-on-one pharmacist to patient medication assessment and education sessions (including MedsChecks), vaccinations, and preparation of patient compliance packaging.   

Education program

We currently offer the following placements:

  • University of Toronto Pharmacy Students
    • Early Practice Experience (EPE) 
    • Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE)
  • University of Waterloo Pharmacy Students
    • Co-op Students (Outpatient Pharmacy)
  • Pharmacy Technician Students
    • We currently work with a number of community colleges and institutions for their student placements throughout the year.