Pharmacy Services Driving Innovation and Better Care at Sage Memorial Hospital

Ganado, Ariz. – At Sage Memorial Hospital, the Pharmacy Department continues to play a vital role in advancing patient care through innovation, efficiency, and a deep commitment to serving relatives across the region. Under the leadership of Pharmacy Director Patrick Fonge, PharmD, the department has made significant progress in improving access to medications, reducing wait times, and enhancing the overall patient experience.

One of the pharmacy’s most impactful accomplishments has been the dramatic reduction in prescription wait times. In the past, patients could wait up to 24 hours for medication refills. Today, thanks to workflow improvements and a strong commitment to patient-centered service, the pharmacy strives to fill prescriptions the same day they are received whenever medications are in stock. This shift has improved continuity of care and reduced the risk of complications caused by treatment delays.

“Our goal is simple—put patients first. We want to ensure that every person receives the right medication, at the right time, in the safest way possible.”

—Patrick Fonge, Pharmacy Director, PharmD

To support this goal, the department has implemented advanced automated technologies that improve both efficiency and safety. A new vaccine dispensing system now allows outpatient clinic staff to quickly access and administer vaccines without waiting for traditional pharmacy processing. This system reduces delays, supports busy clinic workflows, and helps ensure that relatives receive timely immunizations during their visits.

The Solution

It is with these challenges in mind that the PickPoint^® was selected by Sage Memorial Hospital to be installed.

Remote Dispensing System A major innovation transforming pharmacy services at Sage Memorial Hospital is the introduction of PickPoint^® remote dispensing machines. These units, installed in both the Emergency Department in Ganado and at the Greasewood Clinic, function similarly to a secure medication vending machine, allowing patients to quickly receive prescriptions closer to where they receive care.

PickPoint^® Remote Dispensing System accommodates for most common bottle and package sizes – the large cabinet they selected stores up to 90 rows (1,080 individual SKUs) of prepackaged items. (Smaller cabinet available stores up to 54 rows (648 individual SKUs) of prepackaged items.) Plus, it provided these immediate benefits:

• Improved medication security, accountability, and dispensing
• Pharmacists reviewed all prescriptions before loading & dispensing
• Took care of patients at the clinic immediately
• Increased Rx capture rate with direct point-of-care dispensing
• Provided pharmacy services at a fraction of the cost
• Improved inventory management and turns

Expanding Access Through PickPoint^® Remote Dispensing System

Unlike traditional dispensing models that require patients to travel back to the main pharmacy, PickPoint^® technology brings medications directly to rural care sites. When a provider prescribes medication, the order is reviewed and verified remotely by the pharmacy team in Ganado. Once approved, the provider simply scans a code at the PickPoint^® unit, and the machine dispenses the exact medication needed.

For many relatives, especially those living in Greasewood and other remote areas, this innovation significantly reduces travel time, eliminates long waits, and improves access to essential medications. Medications commonly stocked in the PickPoint^® units include antibiotics, pain relievers, and treatments for common conditions, ensuring patients can begin treatment immediately.

Beyond convenience, the system also includes built-in safety checks, barcode verification, and labeling processes that ensure accuracy and compliance with pharmacy standards. This combination of speed and safety reflects Sage Memorial Hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality care, regardless of location.

PickPoint^® technology represents more than convenience—it is a meaningful step toward healthcare equity, helping ensure that distance is no longer a barrier to timely treatment.

While the concept of the PickPoint^®’s Remote Dispensing System was a simple decision for Sage Memorial Hospital, picking a proven partner was an even easier one! Thanks to the PickPoint^®’s Remote Dispensing System proven track record of success, it has delivered vastly improved pharmaceutical care to remote locations worldwide.

• Joint Commission and HIPAA-compliant
• Meets the Same Standard of Care
• Available on ECAT
• DoD ATO Certified

Results—Meeting Growing Demand with Excellence

As services have expanded, the Pharmacy Department has seen a significant increase in demand. Daily prescription volume has grown from approximately 300–350 prescriptions per day to nearly 500 prescriptions daily. Despite this growth, the pharmacy team remains focused on delivering personalized, high-quality care to every patient.

Staff continue to prioritize accuracy, patient education, and respectful service, ensuring that each relative understands their medications and feels supported throughout their care journey.

“Healing is about more than medication,” Fonge shared. “It’s about treating people with dignity, showing empathy, and making sure they know someone cares.”

Through innovation, dedication, and a commitment to patient-centered service, the Pharmacy Department continues to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure that every relative receives the care they deserve when and where they need it most.