LAKELAND, Fla., Oct. 18, 2021 — Publix and Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Venice are teaming up to provide bedside delivery of prescription medications to patients prior to discharge. When the hospital opens in November, patients can choose to have their prescriptions filled and delivered to their hospital room, a free service designed to ease the transition from hospital to home.

“Publix Pharmacy is always looking for ways to provide premier service to our customers, whether it’s inside our stores or through collaborations with local hospitals,” said Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Dain Rusk. “Providing bedside delivery to Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Venice will give patients the opportunity to conveniently obtain the medications they need before leaving the hospital.”

“The bedside delivery program helps ensure a smooth transition of care from hospital to home,” said Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Venice Campus President Sharon Roush. “Having prescriptions delivered directly to patients in the hospital allows them to go straight home, rather than stop at a pharmacy, which reduces the risk of delays and missing a dose at home.”

Bedside delivery is provided free of charge at select hospital locations. The Plaza Venezia Publix, located across the street from the new hospital on Laurel Road, will handle any necessary insurance authorizations, then fill and deliver the order directly to the patient or the nursing unit. Patients can make payments upon delivery and obtain future refills from any Publix Pharmacy.