As Pharmacy Buyers we are on the front lines of these ever increasing medication shortages. There are also some very severe negative patient outcomes caused by these, up to and including patient death.

I highly recommend that everyone read this ISMP alert about this subject. I found it very interesting and not just a little terrifying.

Here is the link:

http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/archives/Sep10.asp#23

Name of Facility: Peacehealth Sacred Heart Medical Center

City, State: Springfield, OR

Years as a Buyer: 14

Jeff,

You are absolutely right, this article is scary. I think the action items here are great best practice items for all Pharmacy Purchsing personnel. Because of the amount of work that each of us is doing to keep our organizations in stock, this is also an opportunity to toot our own horns and be an extreme team player with almost every department in our facilities.

This is a MUST READ.

Name of Facility: St. Francis Health Center

City, State: Topeka, KS

Years as a Buyer: 30+

The article is a wake up call to everyone who thinks Buyers just punch numbers. Some administrators do not know the buying stratagies we have to know or who to call to get that all important "STAT". In Bakersfield we have come to be on the same team; we work together to make sure we can make it through these dificult times. I know we all have our "stash", but knowing I have help out there keeps me coming in to face another day. Here's to all of my fellow Buyers "Happy Pharmacy Week"

Name of Facility: Kern Medical Center

City, State: Bakersfield, CA