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When the opportunity to re-locate the Sunnybrook Ambulatory Patient Pharmacy arose, Pharmacist-Manager Susan Boucher sought the ideas of pharmacy staff members to create an innovative and efficient work space. In addition to staff input, the expertise of three pharmacy design services and the hospital's facility planning experts were enlisted to generate sketches of the new pharmacy layout. The resulting design is a 1600 sq. foot dispensary with a definite community drugstore feel. With a 700 sq. foot front shop and a 900 sq. foot professional services area, the Sunnybrook Ambulatory Patient Pharmacy has created a unique practice environment that incorporates innovative fixtures and furniture concepts in an open and highly functional work space.
Creative concepts and innovative fixtures
Located in Sunnybrook hospital's new expansion wing, the pharmacy is a creative concept that integrates the traditional aspects of a community pharmacy with a very modern dispensary design intended to improve the workflow patterns of pharmacists and technicians. Designed to compliment the atrium environment in the new wing, the exterior of the Ambulatory Patient Pharmacy is a combination of glass, chrome, and rich wood accents. Once patients enter the pharmacy through glass double doors, they are welcomed into an open and spacious front shop. The open feel of the pharmacy is reflected in the colour scheme of the pharmacy which is mostly cream with grey fixtures and natural wood trim. This neutrality is complimented by the burgundies and blues in the chairs and floor coverings. In addition, the use of mirrors on a structural support column in the centre of the pharmacy not only acts as a clever disguise, but emphasizes the open appearance of the space. The spaciousness of the pharmacy is further highlighted by display units and counters that do not exceed 54 inches high and aisles that are 60 inches wide. These wide aisles also serve to create an environment that is fully wheelchair accessible and has no elevated areas of platforms.
A new focus on the front shop
A completely new feature to the pharmacy is the 700 square foot front shop area....