New pharmacy set to make Medical Center East debut
The new pharmacy in Medical Center East will increase efficiency and be more conveniently located. (photo by Susan Urmy)
On Monday, Vanderbilt University Medical Center will open a new, more conveniently located outpatient pharmacy in the lobby of the Medical Center East (MCE) complex.
The technologically advanced new facility replaces the pharmacy in the Medical Arts Building, and will provide easier access for patients and physicians as well as generate an exciting growth opportunity for VUMC.
“The new pharmacy will provide convenient access for our clinic patients in the MCE complex and the hospital, as well as a more updated working environment,” said Walt Woods, assistant director of Outpatient Pharmacy.
The decision to build a new pharmacy to replace the Medical Arts Pharmacy, which has been in operation for more than 28 years, came as a result of a growing need to have the pharmacy more immediate and accessible to patients and staff.
“A large number of clinic visits at the Medical Center are located in the Medical Center East complex,” Woods said.
“It is critical that the pharmacy provide better access to medical care and that our patients and staff have a good experience at Vanderbilt.”
The new pharmacy will be located between the end of the bridge from the main entrance to Vanderbilt University Hospital and the elevator lobby of Medical Center East.
The larger space will include the first robot to be installed and used in any of the three Medical Center outpatient pharmacies. Reducing the chance of error and enhancing the efficiency of the present barcode system, the robot will fill, close and label prescription pill bottles.
“We appreciate the support that everyone has given the Medical Arts Pharmacy,” Woods said. “We look forward to continuing the great service provided by the pharmacy staff in our new location.”
The last day of business for the Medical Arts Pharmacy will be Friday, June 22. The transfer to the new location will take place during the weekend, allowing current patients of the Medical Arts Pharmacy to continue to receive their medication needs from the new location without interruption.