Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS) has inaugurated a new retail pharmacy in the lobby of Bridgeport Hospital.

Expected to commence operations early next year, the pharmacy will provide integrated, personalised services seven days a week, catering to patients, local residents, and hospital employees.

Bridgeport Hospital president Anne Diamond said: “This pharmacy not only provides convenient access to medications, it also will bridge the gap between inpatient care and patients going home.

“By having a pharmacy on-site, patients are able to access medications before leaving the hospital, ask questions and learn how to take their medications safely and effectively.”

The pharmacy aims to streamline the transition from hospital to home care by facilitating better communication between healthcare providers through the Epic/MyChart electronic medical record system.

It is expected to enhance the patient experience by offering quicker responses for medication-related inquiries, including refill requests and prior authorisation approvals.

It will also address financial assistance questions, improving patient care continuity.

This is the sixth retail pharmacy opened by YNHHS, joining others at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, North Haven Medical Center, Saint Raphael’s campus of Yale New Haven Hospital, Outpatient Pharmacy Services in Hamden, and the Regional Operations Center in West Haven.

YNHHS vice-president and chief pharmacy officer LeeAnn Miller said: “As retail pharmacies in general are reducing hours or closing down, this pharmacy provides an access point and another choice for community and hospital patients.”

Bridgeport Hospital, a non-profit institution with 501 beds across two campuses, plus an additional 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, serves a wide regional patient base from its Bridgeport and Milford Campuses.