Courtesy of NWIndianaLife.com
Written by Curtis Hankins
Methodist Hospitals’ Northlake Campus is turning into a healthcare oasis in Gary. On Wednesday, the hospital celebrated the opening of their Outpatient Pharmacy with a blessing and dedication led by hospital and city officials.
The pharmacy first opened in March, and since then has filled more than 1,500 prescriptions for 600 patients. Thanks to its location right inside the hospital, Methodist Hospitals easily setup a program to fill prescriptions for patients before they are discharged from their hospital beds, so everything is ready to go when they are. The pharmacy represents much more than convenience for their patients, though.
“This is a big deal. It’s something that the community and City of Gary really needs,” said Jacquelyn Ivankovic, Director of Pharmacy at Methodist Hospitals. “Quite a few pharmacies have closed down in the area. We’re proud to bring a pharmacy to our hospital that’s open to our patients, and the whole community.”
Every hospital becomes a cornerstone in their community by their very nature, but according to Raymond Grady, President & CEO of Methodist Hospitals, the pharmacy showcases how Methodist goes beyond expectations to support Gary.
“We’re one of those organizations that are here for the long haul,” he said. “The dedication of this outpatient pharmacy is just another manifestation of our commitment to improving the health of every individual in the City of Gary, as well as the community at large.”
The pharmacy is now open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday. According to Ivankovic, it offers the same range of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications available at the major chain pharmacies at highly competitive prices. It also offers specialty medications for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
“It really takes partners like Methodist Hospitals, who is a leader in this community, to step up and provide these services,” said Karla Henderson, Director of the Department of Commerce for Gary. “Any retail service, like this pharmacy, opening up to the community is very important so I’m honored to be here.”
The ceremony closed with a blessing led by Reverend Dr. David Neville Jr., Spiritual Care Director for Methodist Hospitals. His blessing highlighted the value of the medicine, and the expertise and guidance afforded by the pharmacy and its unique location.
“Bless the pharmacists, suppliers, doctors, nurses and all who work with and through this pharmacy to provide quality care and excellence to every patient.”
To learn more about Methodist Hospitals, visit www.methodisthospitals.org. The new pharmacy is located on the first floor upper lobby area of the Northlake Campus at 600 Grant St., Gary.
