This year, as we look back over the accomplishments and challenges of the past fiscal year, we’ve adopted the theme ‘Checking our Vitals,’ as we examine what we’ve done – and how well we’ve done it. We invite you to check out the story below which aligns with our strategic priority of quality and safety.

On a busy hospital inpatient unit, it’s vital that patients get the exact medications they need – when they need it – in the safest way possible.

From the time the physician orders it – to the time pharmacy fills the order and sends it to the unit – to the time the nursing staff stores it safely – to the moment the nurse places the medication in the hands of the patient…time is of the essence.

Thousands of patients – and millions of medications – are at stake.

In the past year, the pharmacy staff collaborated with nursing staff to address any inefficiencies in the process.

Enter Pyxis – an automated medication dispensing cabinet.

Brilliant in its simplicity – Pyxis ensures that the process is as safe and efficient as possible – for both patients and staff.

It tracks inventory electronically – a key safety measure when dealing with narcotics and controlled substances – and interfaces with the Meditech computer to ensure that patients get only the medications prescribed for them. ■

As part of our annual reporting process, we’ve chosen to highlight four accomplishments, via video, which align with Eastern Health’s four strategic priorities:

• Access: Home is Where the Heart Is: The Remote Cardiac Device Monitoring Program
• Quality and Safety: The Pyxis Effect: Dispensing Pills and Practical Solutions
• Population Health: Immunization Goes Viral
• Sustainability: Airing Our Clean Laundry

The videos may also be accessed via this year’s Board Chair Report, which includes a message from Michael O’Keefe, Chair of Eastern Health’s Board of Trustees, along with a list of several other strategic accomplishments.

This story was written and produced by Deborah Collins, communications manager and Phil Simms, cameraman and editor, who both work with Corporate Communications.