Unionized pharmacists who work at grocery stores throughout Southern California surveyed patients and customers this week about wait times, service conditions and medication safety.
Nearly 200 customers at Ralphs, Vons, Pavilions and Albertsons stores expressed frustrations about long lines, understaffing and mistakes with their medication, according to United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770. The customer surveys took place in front of stores in Pasadena, Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Newbury Park, Nipomo, Canoga Park, Tujunga, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach and Seal Beach.
The grocery pharmacists union previously released findings of an online survey of 118 patients that revealed a pattern of longer lines, mounting workload pressures and safety concerns at grocery-based pharmacies. Issues of concern include chronic understaffing and rising prescription volumes inside supermarkets with no action from the companies, according to UFCW 770…