Partnership expected to bring convenience to patients
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2015-4-2 — /EPR Retail News/ — Spectrum Health and Meijer have signed a letter of intent to explore the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer opening and operating a full-service retail pharmacy on the campus of the Spectrum Health Medical Center.
A final agreement would allow Meijer to operate a comprehensive retail pharmacy in Butterworth Hospital, building upon a national growing trend to offer improved access and convenience to patients who choose to have prescriptions filled before leaving the hospital.
“As part of our goal to transform the care model, we are working to help patients obtain their medications more efficiently. We expect this move to help drive better health outcomes for our patients and enhance their satisfaction and overall experience,” Spectrum Health Hospital Group President Christina Freese-Decker said. “The relationship with Meijer is built upon a partnership of mutual respect and serves as an extension of Spectrum Health’s commitment to positively impact the health and wellness of the communities we serve.”
“The genuine care provided at our pharmacies continues to differentiate Meijer as a leader in the industry,” Meijer President J.K. Symancyk said. “That role will continue to evolve as individuals become more focused on leading healthy lifestyles. We believe this partnership with Spectrum Health continues this evolution while providing an opportunity to improve patient health.”
The pharmacy will provide patients, families, employees and hospital providers with an on-campus option for medications and over-the-counter products. This pharmacy would also include access to the Meijer free prescription program, which has filled more than 23 million prescriptions, saving customers nearly $350 million since 2006 when the program began, as well as easy prescription transfers to one of its 213 locations and eligibility for the Meijer Pharmacy Rewards program offered through mPerks.
About Meijer
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 213 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, garden centers and electronic offerings. Additional information on Meijer can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
About Spectrum Health
Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 11 hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 173 ambulatory and service sites; 1,200 physicians and advanced practice providers including members of Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a 626,000-member health plan. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 21,800 employees. The organization provided $294.6 million in community benefit during its 2014 fiscal year. In 2014, Spectrum Health was named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics.
Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-735-7968, christina.fecher@meijer.com or Melissa Kamara Liggins, 616-391-7920, melissa.kamaraliggins@spectrumhealth.org
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