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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.