1811 Old Highway 8 North West Ste C, New Brighton, MN 55112
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
The collection of comments paints a picture of a place that can be stunning in its environment but deeply disappointing in its day-to-day operations, especially when it comes to healthcare services and pharmacy support. One reviewer starts by describing a setting they loved for its beauty, even noting that the place is "a very beautiful place" with animals that are "a little lazy, but very nice." That opening sentiment highlights a contrast: the surroundings are admired and soothing, while other aspects of the experience - namely the care and service - leave a very different impression. The tone suggests that the ambiance can win affection even as the practical parts falter, underscoring how important reliable service is when the environment itself is appealing.
Beyond aesthetics, the message becomes more pointed about the core function people rely on in these contexts: pharmacy service. A prominent lament characterizes the experience as "the worst pharmacy ever," with a specific note that the nursing home in question uses their services. The frustration is procedural and persistent: patients or staff must call multiple times - "2-4 times" - and endure wait times that stretch to "1-2 hours" just to resolve simple issues within the med dispensing system. This isn't a one-off complaint but a pattern that speaks to a broader sense of inefficiency and broken communication, particularly damaging when lives and routines depend on timely medication management.
Another harsh observation targets compensation and treatment of frontline workers. One commenter bluntly accuses the organization of underpaying delivery drivers, framing it as payment "like a 3rd World Country." The sign-off, "Att: Steve," adds a note of personal accountability or a call-out from someone who has felt the impact of staffing and wage practices. This critique broadens the critique from patient experience to the chain of people who ensure medications actually reach patients, implying that cost-cutting or low pay could correlate with the level of service and responsiveness patients encounter.
Personal health experiences amplify the sense of systemic failure when it comes to timely access to medications. A reviewer states that "every aspect of my experience has been fail after fail," even while acknowledging signs of apology from the staff. The frustration is acute: a week-long wait for medications, with the admitting belief that quitting cold turkey could be dangerous, underscores the real human stakes involved. In another vivid account, someone who had recently undergone major surgery - a fractured femur - describes a painful journey through a rehab process where pain management was delayed: "Admitted to rehab facility, took 12hrs to get my pain killers," followed by "another 12hr wait" after discharge. These anecdotes illustrate how delays extend beyond inconvenience, potentially impacting recovery and safety.
There is also a pointed critique directed at a well-known national chain. One reviewer labels the chain as "the worst pharmacy," arguing that CVS "ruins pharmacies" and recounts a three-day delay for a refill accompanied by a lack of communication and broken promises. The intensity of that complaint, including the wish to give a negative star, signals a strong dissatisfaction that may color broader perceptions of the brand among patients in care settings. It's a stark reminder that large corporate processes can feel impersonal and unresponsive to urgent medical needs, even as other locations or affiliates strive for better service.
Amid the many negative messages, there are a few glimpses of more positive or nuanced experiences. A short comment simply stating "Good" stands in contrast to the louder criticisms, suggesting that not all interactions are uniformly bad. Another line notes that, although not open to the public, a particular long-term care (LTC) pharmacy associated with CVS is nonetheless "competent and customer friendly." The juxtaposition implies variability within the system: some branches or affiliates may operate with a focus on efficiency and customer care, even if others fall short. There are also brief references to guiding principles - "Serving with Provitional" and "Serving with integrity" - which hint at values some staff strive to uphold, even if real-world outcomes don't always align.
In sum, the voices converge on a complex portrait of a service ecosystem where beauty and promise coexist with chronic administrative failures and service gaps. The negative experiences emphasize delays, poor communication, and the potentially serious consequences of slow medication access. The positive notes acknowledge that competence and kindness can exist in certain branches or contexts, even within a system otherwise criticized for its shortcomings. For anyone navigating this environment, the underlying message is clear: improvements in timely access, transparent communication, fair treatment of staff, and reliable medication dispensing are essential to transform a place that's admired for its surroundings into a trusted partner in care.
Merwin IV & Specialty Pharmacy is an assisted living community located in the vibrant city of New Brighton, MN. Our community offers a wide range of amenities and care services to ensure our residents feel comfortable and supported.
Our residents can enjoy their favorite shows with access to cable or satellite TV in their fully furnished apartments. Meals are served in a welcoming dining room, where our skilled staff prepares delicious dishes that cater to special dietary restrictions. For those who like to cook, each apartment also features a kitchenette.
At Merwin IV, we prioritize the well-being of our residents. Housekeeping services are provided to maintain a clean and tidy living environment. Our staff is available 24/7 for supervision and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Medication management is also offered to ensure the proper administration of medications.
We understand the importance of mental wellness, which is why we have implemented a mental wellness program for our residents. Additionally, resident-run activities and scheduled daily activities provide ample opportunities for socialization and engagement within the community.
Convenience is key at Merwin IV & Specialty Pharmacy. With multiple cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals nearby, our residents have easy access to various amenities and services in the surrounding area.
Come experience the comfort and support offered at Merwin IV & Specialty Pharmacy - a place you can call home.
Merwin IV & Specialty Pharmacy is located at 1811 Old Highway 8 North West Ste C, New Brighton, MN 55112 in Ramsey County, Minnesota
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