Hospital pharmacy departments under financial stress

A quick look at a new study from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists suggests that things are getting really tight in that sector. That is not surprising, given that the rest of the hospital business is still suffering.

The study, which surveyed 541 hospitals in the U.S. concludes that 66 percent of hospital pharmacies have cut their medication budgets.

"Pharmacy departments are being asked to do more with less while they still have to meet critical patient-care needs to ensure safe and effective medication use," said Kevin Colgan, president of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, in a written statement.

Meanwhile, 37 percent have had staffing budget cuts over the past six months, 22 percent have been forced to freeze vacant positions and 10 percent have laid off employees.

To learn more about this trend:
- read this Modern Healthcare article