SANTA MONICA
Pharmacy Remodel

When Facilities Manager Pat Rugg met with SMUCLA Chief Administrative Officer Posie Carpenter and Diane Zalba, director of Pharmaceutical Services, earlier this year to discuss remodeling the SMUCLA pharmacy, it probably seemed like “mission impossible.”

He was asked to convert the basement-level space into a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing work environment for pharmacy staff members so they, in turn, could better serve caregivers — and do so with little budget.

Three months later, “mission impossible” has become “mission accomplished!” The 5,000-square-foot pharmacy has been completely reconfigured to create more open work spaces, larger storage areas and a better overall design.

Pat collaborated with Director of Transition Planning Amy Wills, Posie, Diane and her pharmacy staff to design a better layout for the department, then utilized his Facilities team to execute the vision, including the installation of new casework, countertops and flooring. He also worked with Security, MCCS and Telecommunications on necessary infrastructure.

The remodeled pharmacy features larger IV Prep and Receiving areas, as well as a staff break room and a new waiting area so employees no longer have to sit in the hallway waiting for prescriptions. There are also more storage areas in more logical places, enhancing productivity. Landscaping was even added to a niche outside one of the windows.

Although pharmacy staffers are still getting accustomed to their new space, the feedback has been favorable. “Once everyone gets used to things in new places, I think they’re really going to like it,” says pharmacist Harry Sands.