Fairview reopens in-house pharmacy

Fairview Red Wing Health Services has reopened its in-house pharmacy after a short closure.

In November, Walgreen's bought the company that owned the pharmacy located inside the hospital. Because Walgreen's then already owned two other stores in Red Wing, it decided to close down the hospital pharmacy Nov. 20.

Hospital administration, however, found the in-house pharmacy was too valuable.

"One of the key things is access and ease of availability for our patients," said Dr. Jack Alexander, Fairview Red Wing's chief medical officer.

He said for some patients it is just easiest to pick up prescriptions right at the hospital. So, Fairview Red Wing partnered with Fairview Pharmacy - a separate company under the Fairview umbrella - and reopened the pharmacy Dec. 13.

Patients probably won't notice much difference, Alexander said.

"It should be very seamless for the patients," he said.

Hospital spokesperson Marcy Dowse said Fairview Pharmacy has been very good to work with during the transition. Also, Walgreen's has helped the transition - transferring patient information -- Alexander said. He added the hospital has good relationships with the Walgreen's pharmacies.

The new pharmacy also has maintained a familiar face to lead it. Registered pharmacist Mark Cota, who had worked at the pharmacy under the previous company since 2001, has signed on as have a number of pharmacy techs.

Cota said he told hospital administration that if they ever reopened he would be interested in coming back.

And that's just what happened.

"It's just a great place to work," Cota said. "I've got a great relationship with the staff."

He said his relationship with nurses and doctors helps him better understand a patient's needs.

The pharmacy has had new hours. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

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