CHI Memorial was recognized by the Tennessee Society of Health-System Pharmacists, a Society of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, as the 2020 Tennessee Innovative Health-System Pharmacy Practice of the Year.  This award is given annually to a pharmacy staff "whose efforts have raised the level of pharmacy services through development of clinical services, advanced drug distribution and extended outpatient services, or that has implemented pharmacy practice advancements in the last two years."
 
Patrick Ellis, Pharm.D., director of pharmacy at CHI Memorial, said, “I am humbled and honored to accept this award on behalf of our entire pharmacy team at CHI Memorial.  This award demonstrates the tremendous dedication that our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have in providing high quality pharmaceutical care for our patients and their commitment to truly living the mission and values of CHI Memorial.  Additionally, this recognition would not be possible without the incredible support of our hospital administration and the multi-disciplinary approach that is embraced at our health system which allows our staff to truly operate at the top of their licenses.  I am beyond grateful for our incredible team of pharmacists and technicians and the visionary approach they each provide in advancing patient care which makes this award possible.”
 
Officials said, "The pharmacy staff at CHI Memorial Hospital has played an instrumental role in developing and implementing new practices at the hospital to better serve patients. They have changed protocols to place pharmacists at the patient’s bedside after a stroke in order to start medications faster, which helps the outcomes for the patient.

"CHI Memorial also has an oncology stewardship program in which the pharmacist ensures that the chemo given to a patient is appropriate and provides education to the patient on what to expect.

"In addition, they also have an infectious disease pharmacist who works very closely with physicians to ensure patients receive the correct antibiotic and length of therapy. 

"Lastly, the pharmacy team has also helped decrease the opioid usage in the emergency department by 20 percent, and is implementing a pain stewardship consultation service in which the prescriber and the pharmacist work closely together to help manage pain for the patient.
 
"TSHP and TPA congratulate CHI Memorial and its pharmacy team for their outstanding work and contributions to patient care and pharmacy practice."