Final answer:
If a hospital pharmacist is not on-site, medications can still be provided to patients through remote pharmacy services, hiring a locum pharmacist, or using automated dispensing systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a hospital pharmacist is not on-site, medications must still be provided to patients. This can be accomplished through various means:
- Remote pharmacy services: In this case, a pharmacist in a different location monitors and dispenses medications as needed. This can be done through telepharmacy or telemedicine platforms.
- Locum pharmacist: A locum pharmacist can be hired temporarily to cover the absence of the on-site pharmacist. They will provide medication oversight and ensure proper dispensing.
- Automated dispensing systems: These systems can be used to store and dispense medications, ensuring that patients have access to the medications they need.
By implementing these solutions, patients can still receive their medications even when a pharmacist is not on-site at the hospital.