Demand for pilot project connecting patients Pharmacists High across Nova Scotia.
Two weeks ago, the province announced that 12 sites would open to help reduce wait times for care amid packed emergency rooms. A pharmacist in Halifax says the program is off to a strong start.
Alvin Thompkins, owner of Wyse Road Shoppers Drug Mart, says appointments have been filling up fast since the clinic opened its doors in Dartmouth. pharmacy Last week.
A dozen NS pharmacies to offer more medical services as part of pilot program
How rising food prices are making healthy eating a bigger struggle for some Canadians
The Wyse Road location is one of two clinics in the Halifax area under pilot, with a third launching later this month.
“Things have been very busy from the beginning,” says Thompkins. “We’ve helped a lot of people and most of our appointment slots are filled each day.”
Thompkins says they are treating 30 patients a day, and many are seeking care for similar needs.
“A lot of kids with strep that we’ve been able to test and assess,” he explains. “So that’s been one of our more important ones. And then prescription renewal.
He says the new clinic helps reduce barriers to care by charging fees and giving pharmacists dedicated time with patients.
“The scope has been there,” he says. “But with a lot of prescriptions there’s a fee charged for the service, especially for minor ailments and things like that.”
Pharmacists can prescribe for 31 minor ailments such as eczema and cold sores and provide treatment to people on medicines for common ailments such as diabetes and asthma.
Parent Amanda Coakley attended the clinic on Friday with her four-year-old son. She says resources like this are helpful.
“I know that a lot of other people, especially parents, are really struggling to try to find care and resources,” she says. “So to be able to have this kind of access is fantastic.”
Trudeau says provinces need to ‘step up’ as health funding talks begin
Sleep-deprived Calgarians still waiting for CPAP machine after massive recall
She was there with her son for an ear infection, though she later contacted Global News to share that the pharmacy could not provide treatment.
Thompkins is excited about the future.
“Everyone I talk to has had great success,” she says. “Lots of vacancies and we are filling quickly.”
In a statement, the province says data is still being collected on the clinics, but so far the response has been positive.
The Department of Health says pharmacy clinic locations for the pilot were based on need.
“These pharmacies are in communities that have the highest number of people in need of family doctors,” the department says. “Pharmacies were invited to apply, and PANS (Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia) used the information they provided to select pharmacies for the pilot. We appreciate that across the province There are many needs and expect more pharmacies to be added as a pilot this spring.
The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia says planning for Phase 2 is already underway, with 12 more sites expected to open in May.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.