Real Estate Blog

Guest post written by Joanna Kielkucki

“Thank you for calling CVS Pharmacy, this is Joanna speaking. Flu Shots are Available. How May I Help You?” 

Since I started working at the CVS/Pharmacy in the Old Town neighborhood of Staten Island, I’ve said the above statement at least a couple hundred times.

Expected since the pharmacy is open 24/7, and winter calls for more illnesses, such as the flu.  Having a pharmacy that never closes is a really great thing for Staten Island, especially considering the tragedy that many fellow Islanders have faced post- Sandy.  This location at the intersection of Old Town Road and Hylan Boulevard is also easily accessible to the neighborhoods of South Beach, Arrochar, Grasmere, Emerson Hill and Dongan Hills. In addition to this CVS, other locations on Victory Boulevard, and Arthur Kill Road are also open 24 hours. These pharmacies are being put to good use and are a great convenience for Staten Islanders.  An immense influx of new patients has been very obvious in the pharmacy which currently fills at least 1,000 prescriptions a day (yes, a day!).

Furthermore, having a walk-in clinic, called “Minute Clinic,” in which a certified nurse practitioner can write prescriptions for illnesses such as strep throat, ear infection, etc., is an invaluable service for the community.  In addition to being able to write new scripts out to patients whose home pharmacies were washed away during  hurricane Sandy, adds to the amount of patients we tend to.  A patient simply sees the nurse practitioner as he/she would see a doctor, and if necessary, the nurse sends an electronic prescription right next door to the pharmacy department.  I, or another colleague types the script and has it filled within 15 minutes providing seamless service for the consumer.  Seeing the nurse practitioner is $89 for those without health insurance.  Pretty awesome, I would say for fast and reliable service on a walk-in basis! 

The location is also a plus.  Located across the street from the Old Town CVS pharmacy is the Royal Crown Bakery and Café serving up some of the best desserts as well as entrée items on Staten Island.  A great place to stop in and relax after finishing your shopping at CVS, or while waiting for your prescription to be filled.   

Located at 1361 Hylan Boulevard, one does not need a car to get to the pharmacy.  Local Staten Island buses, and express buses to Manhattan are right across the street.  In addition, the Old Town train station just up the block.  Easy to get to, great service, and affordable.