Healthcare Clinics Tested at Community Pharmacies

NOTE: The list of pharmacy locations follows this release.

More healthcare services will soon be available to more Nova Scotians at their local pharmacy.

The Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinics program will be piloted in 12 pharmacies across Nova Scotia, with more locations expected in the spring. Appointments open Wednesday, February 1.

Pharmacists in these clinics will have dedicated time to see patients with common illnesses and people who are on medications for chronic diseases like diabetes, and cardiovascular and lung disease. They will also provide care for strep throat, including testing, diagnosis and treatment, something that has not been available through pharmacies previously.

“We need to change how we deliver healthcare to help Nova Scotians get the care they need faster,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals. We’re building and testing a system where they can use all their training and skills to give people the care they need, in a place that’s often the closest place to home – their pharmacy. In doing this, we will help people stay well, and free up emergency departments for emergencies.”

Pharmacists at the pilot locations will also be able to prescribe and manage medications for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The pharmacies under this pilot will receive additional funding for providing added care, including assessing and prescribing for 31 minor ailments such as minor joint and muscle pains, eczema, cold sores and heartburn.

The complete list of services and information on booking appointments are available at: https://pans.ns.ca/cppcc .

Some care services are already available at no cost to patients at all pharmacies in the province, including assessment and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and shingles, contraception, Lyme disease prevention and prescription renewals.

Improving access to primary care is part of Action for Health, the government’s broader plan to improve healthcare.

Quotes:

“We are improving access to primary care in Nova Scotia one pharmacy clinic appointment at a time. These clinics will be a quicker, easier way for people to get care and stay healthy. We are thrilled pharmacists will be able to practise to their full scope and be part of the solution for better healthcare in our province.”

– Allison Bodnar, CEO, Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia

“The Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists has been working to enable pharmacists to bring their full expertise in drug therapy management to their patients. Using pharmacists in primary care is the right thing to do for improved health outcomes and to make better use of our existing health workforce. This is an important shift in healthcare delivery as we work towards solutions for our current crisis and supporting Nova Scotians in getting the right care, from the right person, at the right time.”

– Beverley Zwicker, CEO and Registrar, Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists

“I’ve been a pharmacist for 22 years, and our role in healthcare has changed a lot in that time. These new clinics will allow me to use my skills, training and knowledge like never before. I’m eager for the clinic to open and cherish the opportunity to play such a critical role in the delivery of healthcare in my community.”

– Alvin Thompkins, pharmacist, Dartmouth

Quick Facts:

• the Province is investing just under $1 million in this pilot
• assessment and treatment records will be held by the pharmacy or provided to the patient, unless the patient has a family physician or nurse practitioner following their care
• these new clinics complement Pharmacist Walk-in Clinic+, a partnership between Nova Scotia Health and Lawtons Drugs; locations include New Glasgow, Truro, Lower Sackville and New Minas

Additional Resources:

Action for Health: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/docs/action-for-health-strategic-plan-for-nova-scotia.pdf

Mandate letter for the Minister of Health and Wellness: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-DHW.pdf

Pharmacy locations with appointments available beginning Wednesday:

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 118 Wyse Rd., Dartmouth
• Guardian Bedford, 535 Larry Uteck Blvd., Bedford
• North Sydney PharmaChoice, 107 King St., North Sydney
• Shoppers Drug Mart, 254 Prince St., Sydney
• Shoppers Drug Mart, 912 East River Rd., New Glasgow
• The Medicine Shoppe, 664 Prince St., Truro
• Wilsons Pharmasave, 213 Commercial St., Berwick
• Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy, 42 Glen Allan Dr., Bridgewater
• Shoppers Drug Mart, 1124 Bridge St., Greenwood
• TLC Pharmasave, 157 Water St., Shelburne
• City Drug Store, 369 Main St., Yarmouth

Brookline Pharmacy at 105-6 Bloom Lane, Bedford, will have appointments starting later in February.