COVID-19 Frontline Feature - Kimberly Clemmons, Pharmacist

Kimberly Clemmons has worked at EAMC for one year as a pharmacist. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in our area, she has worked tirelessly to ensure all pharmacy jobs stay on track.

“Our biggest change during COVID-19 has been the way we deliver medication to patients,” Clemmons explains. “Our awesome Meds To Beds program is still up and running, but we now meet those patients at their car instead of in their hospital room. Our amazing nurses and transporters have helped coordinate this effort. We also offer curbside pick up for all other patients.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on unique challenges to nearly all of the departments at EAMC, and the Pharmacy is no exception. “Protocols change quickly during a crisis, so we didn’t have much time to plan for curbside and Meds To Beds changes,” Clemmons says. “Our team has been flexible through it all, making adjustments quickly as things change. In the first few days, it felt unusual to wear PPE, but it has become more normal as time has passed."

The Pharmacy’s Meds To Beds team has primarily staffed the curbside tent in the surgery center pick up loop. They have a technician that ensures medications are ready and waiting for the patient outside. The transportation team has helped with getting medications from the Pharmacy to the curbside tent, and the screening staff has assisted with directing traffic.

“It has really been a team effort,” Clemmons says. “We are thankful for the spring weather, which has provided an ideal curbside atmosphere. All in all it has been a great experience to be able to provide this service.”

Clemmons credits her team for going above and beyond during this time of crisis. “We try to anticipate situations to make curbside delivery quick while adhering to social distancing,” Clemmons explains. “Staff has picked up extra shifts so that all curbside hours are covered, and I have even administered vaccines curbside. We have all truly worked as a team.”

Clemmons adds that the Pharmacy department kept her encouraged during this difficult time. “I cannot imagine a better team,” Clemmons says. “Each one of us has a unique personality with different gifts to bring to the table. We are a diverse team with the common goal of providing excellent care for our patients. The success of the curbside delivery required the efforts of nurses, the screening team, transporters, inpatients pharmacists, and other areas. It is amazing to watch all of our departments working together.”