Pharmacy Expansion Begins

Visitors to Penobscot Bay Medical Center may notice construction on the first floor of the hospital in the coming months. Work has begun on a 2,200 square foot expansion of the PBMC pharmacy.

The seven-month project will provide improved storage and staff working areas.

Over the last 10 years, pharmacies nationwide have seen increased growth and demand for services and the PBMC Pharmacy has been no exception, according to Jeff Kubel, PBMC director of pharmacy.

"Facility expansions in the areas of chemotherapy, infusion center, PBH-owned physician offices and growth in prescriptions for employee and discharged patients has demonstrated the need for more space. Expanding the pharmacy will also better position the department to meet future needs as they arise," said Kubel.

Construction will take place in two phases. The pharmacy will continue to operate as usual while the new, expanded space is constructed during the next four months. Then the pharmacy will move into the new space while the current pharmacy space is renovated during the following three months. Once full construction is completed, the pharmacy will operate from the combined, improved space.