Stop & Shop Introduces Norwalk Hospital FastCare Clinic in Fairfield, CT

PURCHASE, N.Y., May 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC announced today it has joined with Norwalk Hospital FastCare to introduce a new in-store health clinic to Fairfield, CT customers.  The clinic, located within Stop & Shop at 1160 Kings Highway Cut-off, provides customers with convenient and affordable care for the treatment of a variety of common illnesses and preventative health care options.  The clinic will have its official opening on May 20^th when Stop & Shop management will be joined by Fairfield First Selectman Michael C. Tetreau and Norwalk Hospital Vice President of Business Development Michael R. Marks, MD, MBA at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 pm.

"For many years our pharmacists have been strong health resources in our stores by providing information and offering flu clinics. This new partnership with Norwalk Hospital FastCare will expand the health and wellness resources we are able to offer to our customers and provide them with an alternative choice for those needing medical treatment," said Arlene Putterman, Public and Community Relations Manager, Stop & Shop New York Metro Division. "This concept increases accessibility to health care at a low, set cost and adds value for our customers."

The FastCare clinic will offer convenient and economical health care for minor conditions and symptoms including sore throats, fevers, flu and colds, ear and sinus infections, pink eye, skin rashes and allergies.  "Cost, quality and accessibility are extremely important to us at Norwalk Hospital," said Dr. Marks. "This partnership will enable us to better serve local residents."

FastCare accepts most insurance and office visit co-pays apply. For those with high deductible plans or no insurance, a FastCare visit is $82, including simple lab tests. The clinics are staffed by Norwalk Hospital nurse practitioners and physician assistants however you don't have to be one of their patients.  A report following each visit will be sent to a patient's primary care physician and immediate referrals will be made to a physician when symptoms exceed the clinic's scope of services.

FastCare takes walk-in patients only and silent pagers are available for use in the store that will alert you when the provider is ready should there be a wait.  In addition, faster pharmacy service will be provided based on immediate transmittal of prescriptions to the Stop & Shop pharmacy or the pharmacy of the patient's choice.

The clinics will also have convenient hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and holidays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

About Stop & Shop

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC employs approximately 59,000 associates and operates 395 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. The company helps support local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer and promote general health and wellness – with emphasis on children's educational and support programs. In its commitment to be a sustainable company, Stop & Shop is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and EPA's Smart Way program and has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores. Stop & Shop is an Ahold company. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com or www.facebook.com/stopandshop.

About the "new" Western Connecticut Health Network

Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN) is the region's premier, patient-centered health care organization serving residents of Western Connecticut and adjacent New York. As a University teaching organization, WCHN is anchored by three nationally recognized hospitals:  Danbury, New Milford and Norwalk Hospitals. WCHN offers a full continuum of care through its system of affiliated organizations that provide innovative preventative, primary and specialty care as well as home care.  For more information on WCHN, visit WesternConnecticutHealthNetwork.org, DanburyHospital.org, NewMilfordHospital.org or NorwalkHospital.org. 

About FastCare

The FastCare model of retail health clinics was established by Bellin Health in 2006. Bellin Health is a not-for-profit, integrated health care delivery system that has been servicing Northeast Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula since 1908. Known for its emphasis on population health, Bellin Health is the region's leader in cardiac, orthopedic, digestive health, mental health and primary care services.  To ensure quality health services, Bellin developed the FastCare model on the guidelines for retail clinics as defined by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association. These include having a well-defined and limited scope of clinical services, treatment plans that are evidence-based, having a system for referring patients to physicians when symptoms exceed the clinic's scope of services, and integration of electronic medical records.

FastCare partners with health systems and retailers across the country to create affordable and convenient patient access to healthcare. More information about FastCare is available at www.FastCare.com. For more information on Bellin Health see www.bellin.org.

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SOURCE The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC