Health-care clinics to open at some N.S. pharmacies under new pilot project
Pharmacists at some Nova Scotia pharmacies will soon be able to provide more health-care services as part of a new pilot project.
The Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinics program will be piloted in a dozen pharmacies across the province.
A list of the participating 12 pharmacies is available on the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia website.
The 12 pharmacies were chosen from 44 applications and are based throughout the province in areas of high need.
"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 health care in our province,” said Allison Bodnar, the CEO of the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia, in a release Tuesday.
Clinic appointments open Wednesday and more locations are expected in the spring.
The province says participating pharmacists will have dedicated time to see patients with common illnesses and people on medications for chronic diseases.
Nova Scotians can currently see pharmacists for certain medical services, including assessment and treatment for UTIs, shingles, contraception, Lyme disease and prescription renewals.
Under the new pilot project, they will be able to test, diagnose and treat patients for strep throat.
Pharmacists will also be able to prescribe and manage medications for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 31 minor ailments, such as minor joint and muscle pains, eczema, cold sores and heartburn.
"I've been a pharmacist for 22 years, and our role in health care 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 health care in my community,” said Alvin Thompkins, a pharmacist in Dartmouth, N.S.
The province is spending just under $1 million on the project.
"We need to change how we deliver health care to help Nova Scotians get the care they need faster," said Nova Scotia Minister of Health and Wellness Michelle Thompson.
"Pharmacists are highly trained health-care 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."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.