Samaritan Medical Center and Kinney Homecare Launch “Delivery at Discharge” Program to Streamline Discharges for Patients
Published on: March 20, 2025
Watertown, NY –Samaritan Medical Center, in partnership with Kinney Homecare is proud to announce the official launch of the “Delivery at Discharge” Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance patient care. The program is a joint venture between Kinney Homecare and Samaritan Medical Center, offering inpatients the convenience of receiving both medications and durable medical equipment (DME) – such as wheelchairs, walkers, and other essential items – delivered directly to their hospital rooms prior to discharge. This new service aims to streamline the discharge process, improve patient satisfaction, and make the transition home smoother and safer.
Since the beginning of 2025, the program has been in a successful pilot phase on the largest inpatient medical/surgical unit at Samaritan Medical Center, known as 4Pavilion. The pilot has proven to be an effective means of ensuring patients have the necessary medication and medical equipment when they return home, contributing to a better recovery and reducing readmission rates. Samaritan inpatients can choose to participate in this service as it is completely optional. If patients decide to use the service while at Samaritan Medical Center, they have no further obligation to use Kinney’s to fill their prescriptions after their inpatient stay.
On average, between four and seven patients daily have taken advantage of the optional program, highlighting its positive impact on patient care. Feedback from patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many patients expressing gratitude for the convenience of having their medications and equipment ready to go upon discharge.
“Our priority is always to provide the best care possible for our patients, and this collaboration with Kinney Drugs helps us do just that,” said Samaritan’s Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President for Patient Care Services, John Green. “By ensuring that our patients have everything they need as they transition home, we can help reduce unnecessary stress and ensure they have a smooth recovery.”
“At Kinney Drugs, we are committed to providing our customers with convenient, accessible healthcare services,” said John M. Marraffa Jr., RPh, President, Kinney Drugs. “This program exemplifies our dedication to supporting the local community and ensuring that our patients are well-prepared and supported in their journey to recovery. We are excited to see the positive impact this initiative is already having.”
The success of the pilot has encouraged both organizations to expand the program further, with plans to extend the offering to more inpatient units within Samaritan Medical Center in the near future.
For more information about the Delivery at Discharge” Prescription Program or to inquire about eligibility, patients can speak with their care team at Samaritan Medical Center.
About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About Kinney Drugs Founded in Gouverneur, NY in 1903, today the independent, employee-owned company operates 95 stores in New York and Vermont. Kinney Drugs is part of the KPH Healthcare Services family of companies, a national provider of pharmaceutical and healthcare services with complementary businesses in both the retail and commercial segments of the industry. KPH is comprised of eight divisions: (1) Kinney Drugs, a chain of full-service drug stores located throughout New York and Vermont; (2) HealthDirect Pharmacy Services, which serves long-term care and alternative care needs; (3) ProAct, Inc., a pharmacy benefit management company with sales offices throughout the country and a mail-order pharmacy; (4) Noble Health Services, a specialty pharmacy that dispenses medications used to treat complex and chronic diseases; (5) Kinnect™, an on-site clinical care pharmacy; (6) Aristacare, an infusion therapy pharmacy; (7) HomeLife specialized nursing support for in-home infusion services; and (8) Kinney Homecare, a durable medical equipment company. KPH Healthcare Services is an employee-owned company with approximately 4,500 employees that provides the highest quality pharmacy and healthcare services. Every aspect of KPH’s business is guided by the values of excellence, moral responsibility, and community spirit. Learn more at www.kinneydrugs.com.