The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS — A ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony was held Friday at the new Bath Community Pharmacy in Mitchelltown.
The new facility has been a project for over a year as Bath Community Hospital responded to concerns over parking and access through surveys such as the Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by the hospital.
The new pharmacy succeeds the Hot Springs Pharmacy that originally opened in 1925 as an independent pharmacy. The pharmacy became part of the Bath Community Hospital organization in 2009.
“The opening of the Bath Community Pharmacy is a significant event for this community,” said Jeff Lingerfelt, CEO of Bath Community Hospital. “The hospital board and staff are to be commended for their vision in making this project happen. This project supports our mission to serve the health care needs of our community.”
The Bath Community Hospital’s Board of Directors was committed to improving the patient care experience, including medication management and accessibility of the pharmacy so the decision to move to the new location was made that included a plan for a drive through.
“Moving the hospital’s pharmacy to a central location that provides plenty of parking and offers a drive-through window has long been a priority of the hospital and its board,” said Scott Hetzer, chairman of the Bath Community Hospital Board of Directors. “After a thorough review of several alternatives and a year or so of planning for this one, we are thrilled to open our doors and provide a convenient option for the residents of our wonderful community.”
The new building was manufactured by Wilkins Builders from Double Springs, Ala. It is 2,400 square feet of space that offers a larger retail area, private patient education and vaccination area, customer restroom, improved customer parking and a drive through.
The larger retail space will allow for the pharmacy to offer items from local vendors and give the new space that community feel.
On-site construction was carried out by local contractor F.C. Plecker & Sons.
“The hospital is very excited to open Bath Community Pharmacy and improve access to medications in the community,” said Amy Simmons, executive director of health, wellness, business development and the project coordinator on the new pharmacy. “We are committed to improving the patient care experience, especially in the current COVID pandemic environment.
“Improved parking, a drive through and availability of local goods will allow this new facility to truly become a community pharmacy,” Simmons added.
“I would like to personally thank the Bath Community Hospital maintenance, housekeeping, dietary, IT, and pharmacy departments as well as our contractors, that have worked very hard to ensure a smooth transition to our new facility.”
Also during Friday’s festivities, a plaque was presented in honor of Jack Williams, a member of the Bath County community who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
Williams served as a pharmacist in the community for many years before retiring in 2002.
The ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony was coordinated by the Bath County Chamber of Commerce.
Simmons also noted that Bath Community Hospital is working with the Virginia Department of Health and the county health department to centralize contact information for community members who are interested in receiving the COVID vaccine. Further information will be made available in the near future.
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A ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony was held Friday at the new Bath Community Pharmacy on Sam Snead Highway in Mitchelltown. The new pharmacy succeeds the Hot Springs Pharmacy that had served the Bath County community since 1925. The pharmacy became part of the Bath Community Hospital organization in 2009. The 2,400 square foot building offers a larger retail area, a private patient education and vaccination area, customer restroom, improved customer parking and a drive-through window. The larger retail space will also allow for the pharmacy to offer items from local vendors. (Gavin Dressler Photo)
