New service will deliver discharge prescriptions directly to patients at the hospital, helping support medication access and continuity of care
October 19, 2026 – Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is collaborating with Publix Pharmacy to introduce a Meds-to-Beds service that will provide patients with their newly prescribed medications before they leave the hospital. The service began Oct. 19 at NCH Baker Hospital with a launch date of Nov. 2 at NCH North Hospital.
Through Meds-to-Beds, Publix Pharmacy representatives will coordinate with NCH physicians, nurses and care coordination teams to have eligible discharge prescriptions filled and delivered directly to patients at the bedside. The service eliminates the need for an additional pharmacy stop after hospitalization and helps patients begin their prescribed treatment without an avoidable delay.
“Leaving the hospital can be an overwhelming time for patients and their families, especially when they are managing new medications or changes to an existing treatment plan,” said Jack Iskander, System Director of Pharmacy at NCH. “By bringing prescriptions and medication education directly to the bedside, we can address potential barriers before discharge and help patients feel more confident about continuing their recovery at home.”
Before medications are delivered, Publix Pharmacy will work to identify and address potential concerns involving medication availability, insurance coverage or affordability. When appropriate, pharmacy representatives may coordinate with the patient and the prescribing clinician to explore available alternatives.
At the time of delivery, a Publix Pharmacy representative will provide the patient with their prescribed
medications and confirm receipt of the order. A pharmacist will be available to answer medication-related questions and provide counseling as needed. Providing access to pharmacist support while the patient is still in the hospital can help reinforce discharge instructions and support a smooth transition home.
The optional service is intended to make the transition from hospital to home more convenient while supporting medication adherence and continuity of care. Patients who leave the hospital with their prescriptions in hand are less likely to experience a gap in therapy caused by transportation challenges, pharmacy hours, medication availability or other obstacles. Improving timely access to prescribed medications may also help reduce preventable complications and hospital readmissions.
There is no additional delivery fee for participating in the Meds-to-Beds service. Prescription medications will be processed through the patient’s insurance in the same manner as they would be at a community pharmacy, and several payment methods will be available.
Using Meds-to-Beds does not require patients to select Publix Pharmacy for future prescriptions. Following discharge, patients may continue using their preferred pharmacy for refills and other medication needs.
“This collaboration strengthens the discharge process by bringing together medication access, patient education and clinical coordination,” Iskander said. “It is another way NCH is working to make care more seamless and provide patients with the resources they need for a safe and successful recovery.”
The introduction of Meds-to-Beds reflects NCH’s continued commitment to enhancing the patient experience and supporting better health outcomes for the communities it serves throughout Southwest Florida.
ABOUT NCH
NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is an Advanced Community Healthcare System™ serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. NCH, a locally governed non-profit, is recognized as one of Healthgrades America’s Top 50 Hospitals which puts it in the top 1% in the nation for clinical excellence, in addition to being named a Top 50 Hospital for Surgical Care. The system is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with more than 700 beds – NCH is an alliance of over 750 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida and is the region’s only Joint Commission accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center. NCH cardiac care is ranked top three in the state by Healthgrades. NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Northwestern Medicine for oncology, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available in Southwest Florida. With the largest provider network, urgent/immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH is always advancing the quality of care near you. For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.
