Simpson Bay Pharmacy opened its doors in 1995 as a subdivision of the Friendly Island Pharmacy. Since then it has grown to be a pharmacy with its own identity. The pharmacy has a unique location near popular hotels such as Pelican Key Resort, the Atrium and La Vista. It is also located near the Simpson Bay Marina, Isle the Sol and La Palapa.
Qualified pharmacist Joep Groenendijk studied in Leyden. He came to St. Maarten via Curaçao and made his home here in 1987. In 1995 Joep opened the Simpson Bay Pharmacy just three weeks before Hurricane Luis. Fortunately the store only suffered a small amount of damage. Simpson Bay Pharmacy was the first pharmacy up and running after the devastation.
A qualified pharmacist of 16 years, Tamara Landino-Moskal studied in Groningen. She arrived in St. Maarten in 2004 and in 2006 joined Joep at Simpson Bay Pharmacy. Joep and Tamara make a tremendous team, with Tamara being fulltime pharmacist at the pharmacy. Both Joep and Tamara are very quick to point out that no team can be successful without the full input of all team members and in their case, they are very fortunate to have a tremendous team.
The Simpson Bay Pharmacy team comprises two pharmacists. Tamara is in charge with four pharmacist assistants (in England these would be known as pharmacist technicians.) Both pharmacist assistants and pharmacists need full diplomas to be able to work in any pharmacy. Two of the pharmacist assistants come from Holland, one comes from St. Maarten, and one from Suriname, all qualified in Holland.
A pharmacist assistant's job is not only about having to dispense prescription medication but also knowing what to advise as over the counter medication to anyone who comes to the pharmacy feeling ill and out-of-sorts. A good "bedside manner" and patience are necessary and Joep and Tamara are very complimentary about the pharmacist assistants they have working at the Simpson Bay Pharmacy. The dedication the pharmacist assistants have for the job is wonderful; they are never late for work and often, without any complaints, stay long after they should have gone home if there is the need.
The Simpson Bay Pharmacy also has three cashier/salesladies. These wonderful ladies are always there for the customers. They help everyone with a smile and extend gentleness to those who are not feeling too well. All are long time staff members with one of them being there for 10 years. One other special staff member is the cleaning lady/window dresser, who is very much appreciated by all and a part of this great team. Once again these ladies are dedicated to the job, putting their all into their work.
The Simpson Bay Pharmacy displays the largest collection of European and American products, prescription medicines, vitamins and over the counter medication on the island and operates in conformity with *FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requirements and the laws and regulations of the Netherlands Antilles. Simpson Bay Pharmacy specializes in marine kits.
The very friendly ambiance and great service immediately strike one entering the store. As a goodwill gesture and to show the Simpson Bay Pharmacy's appreciation to all loyal customers, a discount of 15% for all over the counter goods will be offered during the week of August 23-29.
Simpson Bay Pharmacy is located in Simpson Bay Marina, Welfare Road 68, and Simpson Bay (544-3653).
Open daily:
Monday – Friday 8:15am – 7:30pm
Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sundays & holidays 5:00 – 7:00pm
Free blood sugar & blood pressure check every first Thursday of the month from 9:00am to 4:00 pm.
