The Health Services Authority’s (HSA’s) Pharmacy is reminding its patients to collect their prescription requests and of the importance of taking their medication as prescribed by the physician to improve health outcomes, healing and recovery from illness.
When prescribed drugs are not taken this can lead to the worsening health of patients, an increase in the cost of medical care and stress on the health care system through wastage of medications and human resources needed for restocking and unnecessary administrative work.
“In recent years the HSA has taken action to improve the availability and convenience of pharmacy services, but the high rates of uncollected medications, even when reminded by phone call, are becoming a concern among clinicians for patient’s health and well-being,” said HSA Chief Pharmacist, Colin Medford. “We understand that the restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major part to play in this, however we encourage people to pick up prescriptions timely as it is for the benefit of their health.”
He continued, “The good news is that our pharmacy hours have been extended since the relaxation of the shelter-in-place restrictions. HSA is also implementing even more enhanced measures to ensure patients feel safer when visiting our facilities.
As a result of the shelter-in-place restrictions, we have also implemented a new medication refill service through WhatsApp and have even made home delivery a permanent service for the vulnerable and elderly.”
During the shelter-in-place, a temporary location was opened at Smith Road Centre to help reduce wait times, allow for social distancing and facilitate pick-up of refills only for CINICO and private insurance members with full coverage.
Patients are reminded that the usual services such as dropping off prescriptions for refills at the drop box, outside of the Cayman Islands Hospital’s Main Pharmacy, online refills and pick-up at the district health clinics are still available.
Maintaining good health and complying with prescribed medication is crucial, especially for those with chronic health conditions.
“We care about our patients’ health and as healthcare providers we have a responsibility to help them understand the importance of taking their medications as prescribed. However, patients also have an obligation to take responsibility for their health and do their part by collecting their medications,” Mr. Medford stated.
To request a refill via WhatsApp, send a photo of your prescription label to 925-6534 (Grand Cayman) or 916-9555 (Sister Islands). Patients can contact the main Cayman Islands Hospital Pharmacy at 244-2715/2716 and/or visit www.hsa.ky/services-specialties/pharmacy for opening hours, information on pick-up, drop off/delivery and more on pharmacy services.
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