Another convenient way to access treatment for minor illness, injuries, and support for chronic health conditions, will soon be available in Red Deer.
Loblaw Companies Ltd. has announced a new pharmacist-led health clinic will open in Shoppers Drug Mart in Clearview MarketSquare on Nov. 27, with a grand opening at 10 a.m.
Aamir Hussain, pharmacist and the local Shoppers Drug Mart owner, said residents in Clearview Ridge, Timberstone, Garden Heights and Evergreen neighbourhoods don’t have a doctor’s office nearby. The pharmacist-led clinic will help people seeking care for common ailments and health issues instead of waiting for hours at a doctor’s office or emergency department.
“Pharmacists can make a huge difference in the community. They can help a lot and ease the burden on the healthcare system. Pharmacies are not only just for dispensing,” Hussain said.
“I applaud the government of Alberta and Alberta College of Pharmacy for recognizing the unique role pharmacists can play to help to address some of the gaps that have emerged in primary healthcare systems, providing patients with more options when accessing the healthcare services they need and deserve.”
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This will be the first Shoppers Drug Mart in Red Deer with a pharmacist-led clinic.
Loblaws opened its first clinic in Alberta in Lethbridge in June 2022. Since then clinics have opened in Fort Saskatchewan, Brooks, Edson, and at the Real Canadian Superstore in Red Deer.
The Pharmacy Care Clinic is a primary care facility that delivers healthcare services within a public system.
Loblaws says through the pandemic, pharmacists have demonstrated their ability to provide clinical support to the community and the expanded scope of practice for pharmacists in Alberta is making it easier for patients to get access services they need. These clinics leverage this expanded scope of practice.
Pharmacists in Alberta can provide ongoing monitoring, education and care plans for patients with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, COPD, heart disease, high blood pressure and others. They can treat minor illnesses like strep throat, allergies, pink eye, UTI, and acid reflux and more. They can also address common injuries like ankle sprains, tick bites and more.
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The new clinic in Shoppers Drug Mart, at 1 Chambers Ave. in Clearview MarketSquare, will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
Hussain said being open on Sunday will be especially helpful when most walk-in clinics are closed and people must rely on the emergency department.
“The weekend is the most critical time. I think it’s a win-win situation.”
He said clinic staff will focus on spending time with patients to better manage chronic conditions, provide treatment, some onsite testing, immunizations, and can discuss vitamins, as well as natural products which can interact with medications, reduce their effects, or cause harm.
“People can come and ask anything, even if it’s not within our scope of practice, we can connect them to different doctors and also help them know where to go.”
The clinic will have two fully equipped clinic rooms. Initially 20 to 25 appointments will be available daily which can increase to 40 to 45.
People can access services by appointment or by walk-in. To book an appointment, or for other inquiries, patients can contact the clinic directly at 403-342-5548. Appointments can also be booked online.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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