Our roles as clinical pharmacists at Good Samaritan hospital are challenging yet fulfilling, with our primary goal being to provide the highest level of care to our patients. However, a recent staffing change proposal is targeting ICU and ED pharmacist hours, threatening not only our work schedules but also the very foundation of quality patient care we strive to uphold.

The proposed staffing change intends to reduce the number of clinical pharmacist Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) in the ICU and ED during a temporary trial period for the summer (aimed at boosting productivity numbers). The ICU PM and ED shifts would both change from a 10-hour shift to an 8-hour shift.

Yet, we suspect this is a preemptive move to diminish our bargaining power before our newly-formed union can negotiate baseline agreements. This decision raises significant concerns about its potential permanency, especially rolling into busier months, critically affecting patient care continuity.

Reducing our presence, particularly in critical areas like the ICU and ED, could lead to negative patient outcomes due to interruptions in care continuity, medication errors, or delayed interventions. According to a 2022 study published by the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, clinical pharmacists have been shown to significantly reduce medication errors, shorten hospital stays, and improve patient outcomes, demonstrating the importance of their roles in healthcare settings.

We urge the leadership to reconsider this staffing change and engage in a constructive dialogue with our union to find a mutually beneficial solution. Doing so will prevent any adverse effects on patient care and ensure high-quality care remains uninterrupted.

Please sign this petition to show your support for maintaining the current FTE of clinical pharmacists in the ICU and ED at Good Samaritan. Together, we can uphold the standard of care our patients deserve.