Newswise — Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge unveiled its new hospital-based pharmacy today, which allows patients to fill prescriptions before they leave the hospital.

“The Hackensack Meridian Health Pharmacy at Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge is another example of meeting the needs of the growing communities we are privileged to serve,” said William DiStanislao, interim president, chief hospital executive; vice president, Operations. “We are staffed by highly experienced and skilled pharmacists, technicians and support staff, filling both inpatient and outpatient prescriptions.”

Raritan Bay’s pharmacy stocks a large inventory of brand-name medications, generic drugs, and specialty medications that are not regularly carried by other pharmacies. Upon request, the hospital-based pharmacy can fill prescriptions for patients being discharged from all areas of the medical center, including the emergency room. The service is also available to employees and their immediate family members.

A key goal of this service is to make a patient’s transition back home seamless and convenient. Patients can easily fill their prescription(s) and ask questions of the pharmacist before even leaving the hospital. This avoids having to make an extra outside trip to a pharmacy. Another advantage is that frequent communication with physicians enables the pharmacy to stock the most common and not-so-common medications and compounds prescribed. New medications and special orders requested by physicians can also be accomodated.

Located in the concourse, the service is available Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Most prescriptions plans are accepted and cash, check, or debit/credit is accepted.