PORTLAND (AP) — Maine is getting its first 24-hour pharmacy.

Maine Medical Center in Portland is scheduled to open the state’s first round-the-clock pharmacy on Monday.

It will allow patients to fill their prescriptions before being discharged, and will also be open to the public.

The closest 24-hour pharmacy is in Rochester, N.H.

Dr. Joel Botler, who helped launch the effort, told the Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/1ELJVkD ) it’s about convenience and improving care. Patients discharged from the hospital often fail to get prescriptions filled, or take the wrong doses, which can lead to readmissions.

The hospital pharmacy will employ 10 pharmacists and 25 pharmacy technicians.

Unlike commercial drug stores, the hospital’s pharmacy won’t sell candy, toothpaste, shampoo and other health and beauty aids.