I imagine most of you have seen the news on the walkouts at the chain drugstores at the end of October. Some were calling it ‘Pharmageddon’ – chain pharmacists were protesting unsafe working conditions and companies putting profits over patient safety and walking off the job.
While I can’t say you’ll never have to wait a few minutes for a prescription or a vaccine – especially this time of year with flu shots, COVID boosters, and more – compared to the chain drug stores, we pride ourselves on being sufficiently staffed to handle the day-to-day operations of a well-run drugstore. Our current Pharmacist in Charge Melissa used to work at a chain, filling 3x the prescriptions we do with half the staff! No wonder when we call a CVS or Walgreens for a transfer, we often end up waiting an hour or more.
Pharmacy Industry Changes
While the industry has changed dramatically since my great-grandfather & grandfather’s day, and throughout my Dad’s career, what I’ve learned from them is never to sit still and wait for change to come to you. You’ve got to search out and work together with industry partners and vendors who are paving the pathway to the future of community pharmacy.
When I was Interviewed a few months back for our new Medical Equipment store in Geneva, the Crains Business Chicago journalist mentioned sitting in on a Walgreens shareholder meeting. At that meeting, they flat-out said their goal is to take over all the independently owned community pharmacies! That’s not a world I’d like to live in. And with your continued support, we’ll find a way to support the health of our community to the high standards we’ve set for the last 148 years.
New Pharmacy Service Options
As we explore new service options like point-of-care testing, concierge in-home vaccination services, expanded free delivery zones, cash pay options to save you money, and more, whatever we do, it’s with your health and convenience in mind. Anything you’d like to see us do? Drop us a line at rx@oswaldspharmacy.com and let us know!
A big part of the changes we make in the coming years will be with the help of Melissa, our fantastic new Pharmacy Manager. Say hello if you haven’t met her yet! With over 20 years of industry experience, she’s got some great ideas we can’t wait to get up and running at Ozzie’s. Have a wonderful November and a terrific Thanksgiving! ℞
