An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : News
JBSA News
NEWS | Nov. 17, 2011

BX pharmacy operations moving to main clinic for one week

By Robert Goetz 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

All Randolph Base Exchange pharmacy operations will move to the 359th Medical Group's main clinic pharmacy next week while the BX facility undergoes a remodeling project to enhance efficiency.

Pharmacy leadership encourages beneficiaries who use the BX pharmacy to obtain their medications today or wait until the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 2 because they anticipate a crowded lobby and long waiting times at the main clinic pharmacy during the renovation period, Nov. 21-25.

"You can expect a long waiting time if you go to the main clinic pharmacy next week," Tech. Sgt. Johnette Hutchinson, 359th Medical Support Squadron satellite pharmacy NCO in charge, said. "The waiting time will be significant."

The pharmacy staff's goal is to minimize any inconvenience BX pharmacy patrons may experience, so the prescription refill call-in system and civilian prescription drop box at the BX will remain operational.

Capt. Timothy Weigle, 359th MDSS satellite pharmacy officer in charge, said obtaining their medications before or after the closure will allow beneficiaries to avoid the rush at the main clinic pharmacy next week.

"If they come to the BX pharmacy before or after the closure, the waiting times should be more what they're used to," he said. "Once the renovation project is over, waiting times may decrease because the operation will be more efficient."

Weigle said the project will not involve construction, but a rearrangement of shelving and a centralization of inventory that will save the Air Force "tens of thousands of dollars."

"The project will improve the workflow," he said. "We're going the way civilian pharmacies are set up - an open floor with a common inventory."

Hutchinson said one benefit of the BX pharmacy reorganization will be a dedicated window for the pickup of new prescriptions. Patrons who wish to leave the pharmacy while their prescriptions are being filled will now be able to pick them up at window No. 4 when they return without having to get another pickup ticket - as long as they return that same day.

"That way they won't be waiting behind other people," Weigle said. "That will be a big benefit to those who want to do something else, like running errands or going to the BX or commissary."

Weigle said the increased efficiency of the satellite pharmacy following the renovation will help staff as they deal with a bigger workload.

"Both pharmacies filled 30,533 prescriptions in October, which was up 11 percent from last October," he said. "The total volume has increased 12 percent this year. As San Antonio grows, we will continue to grow."

Weigle said the satellite pharmacy's goal "is to be more efficient, but to not sacrifice patient safety."

"Safety is our No. 1 priority," he said.