Houston, Mo.-based Texas County Memorial Hospital will close its Hutcheson Pharmacy on Aug. 21 after evaluating its retail pharmacy operations, according to a July 31 Ozark Radio News report.
Hospital leaders cited recent manufacturing restrictions affecting retail pharmacy operations, ongoing challenges recruiting and retaining full-time pharmacists and changing patient utilization trends as factors behind the decision. Bill Bridges, CEO of Texas County Memorial Hospital, said the pharmacy’s expenses had exceeded budgeted expectations with limited opportunity for improvement because of new federal laws and pharmacy workforce challenges.
The hospital said patients with active prescriptions will receive assistance transferring their medications to the pharmacy of their choice to help avoid interruptions in therapy. Patients enrolled in the hospital’s 340B Prescription Assistance Program will continue receiving benefits through participating local pharmacies.
The closure will not affect the hospital’s other clinical services, according to the report. The building that houses Hutcheson Pharmacy will continue to be used by TCMH Hospice of Care, Home Health of the Ozarks and a satellite clinic for visiting specialty physicians.
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