Mercy Recognized for Pharmacy Safety Practices

A statewide review of hospitals by the New York State Department of Health recognized Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre as among the top hospitals in pharmaceutical safety practices.

"This recognition validates the commitment of Mercy Medical Center in promoting medication safety efforts," said Wing Lun, Mercy's pharmacy director.

The Pharmacy Safety Systems in New York State Hospitals Survey examined 149 facilities across the state to identify the use of policies and procedures that reduce medication errors and improve patient safety. Based on the report, 24 hospitals were cited for implementing innovative procedures, which showed improved safety and reliability in the handling and administering of medications.

Mercy Medical Center was one of only three hospitals on Long Island to be recognized for its safety practices. The survey highlighted Mercy's use of weekly patient safety walking rounds, procedures to assure safe administration of anticoagulation drugs, and the active involvement of its board of trustees in reviewing medication safety efforts.

"The findings show Mercy to be at the forefront of efforts to improve the culture of safety in New York State's hospitals and speed the adoption of pharmaceutical safety procedures," said Catherine Magone, vice president for Performance Improvement and Quality Management.