Retail pharmacy opens in JCMC lobby

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. --

One of the most common reasons for re-admission after a patient leaves the hospital is problems with medication.

Either the patient isnt able to get the necessary prescription medications, or he or she doesnt fully understand how or when to take the medicine.

Without that critical component of follow-up treatment, the patient may get sick again and need to return to the hospital. Officials at Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) are hoping to change all that.

Last week, the hospital unveiled a new retail pharmacy in the main lobby of JCMC. HealthPlus & Pharmacy is open to patients, the public and MSHA team members, but its primary mission is to help patients make a smooth and safe transition from hospital to home by making sure they have all the medications and home care supplies they need in hand when they leave JCMC.

This is all about patient safety and better quality care, said David Nicely, CEO of JCMC. HealthPlus will make things more convenient for our patients, but mainly it will help them with their recovery process. If we can make it easier for patients to follow the proper medication plan, theyll get well sooner and be more likely to stay well.

Current regulations prevent inpatient hospital pharmacies from dispensing medication for patients to take home.

In the past, that meant that a patient leaving the hospital had to make an extra stop at the pharmacy before heading home to recover. Exhausted patients and family members may not have the time or energy to consult with a pharmacist at that time in order to fully understand what has been prescribed or why.

To help make things easier for patients and families, HealthPlus & Pharmacy offers transition specialists who will meet with patients upon admission at no extra charge to tell them about their options and, if the patient chooses, help arrange for delivery of medications and home health supplies to the patients room at discharge or even help load supplies into the car.

There can be a lot to worry about when someone is being discharged from the hospital, said Susie Frank, director of HealthPlus & Pharmacy. This service will help ease patients concerns and ensure a smooth transition to home, where they can have a successful and safe recovery.

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Retail pharmacy opens in JCMC lobby