VA Long Beach Healthcare System

Of all the employees of the VA, roughly 45 of them recently relocated to one of the newest areas of VA Long Beach; Pharmacy. With the newly opened building 164B, certain departments are lucky to move into the beautiful new space. This gives Pharmacy a chance to implement a new system of operations. With some new technology to update their flow, including two self serve kiosks, the "carousel" (an easy-to-use dispensary), delivery systems, and a new ticketing and big screen process, service to Veterans will become much more user friendly. This is all dependent on the grasp that Pharmacy is hoping Veterans will gain in regards to the new system. With new processes come learning curves. This is the case with our Veterans here at VA Long Beach. Many of them have transitioned seamlessly into the new system,recognizing the new flow that accompanies the new space. One reason this transition is so smooth is due the technicians stationed in the waiting area available to help Vets. This follows the patient centered care model that VA is starting to put in place. Granted,there have been lumps and bumps here and there,but overall,Veterans and employees alike all relay a positive vibe from the newly acquired system and space.

Some additional positives in relocating include more face to face interaction between pharmacy staff and Veterans. There's no longer thick, bullet-proof glass separating the Veteran from the staff. Instead,an open space over a counter that minimizes the feeling of restriction for our Vets. Also, the fact that the pharmacy is directly across from a large window spanning the length of the hallway brings a brighter and lighter spirit to the waiting room, filled with cushy chairs and couches.

One of the main goals of the new space was to reduce the lines that formed along the hallway, making the environment more relaxed, as opposed to antsy people waiting in line.

A prime objective of the new flow was to organize the needs of the Veterans. In the previous location, Vets would stand in the same line regardless of if they were picking up a prescription or had a question regarding their prescription. Now, there are two booths to accommodate pick-ups and a separate booth for Veterans with inquiries. Another nice feature of the new pharmacy is the completely separate staff pickup window for VA workers picking up prescriptions for in-patients.

Overall, Pharmacy's transition has proved to be a positive one, making it possible to continue patient-centered care for our Veterans.