Red Deer will be one of four Alberta locations where Loblaw Companies Ltd. will open a new pharmacist-led health clinic.
Last week, the Canadian company announced additional clinics will be opened in Red Deer, Fort Saskatchewan, Brooks and Edson to offer a range of healthcare services to patients, including assessment and treatment of common ailments and injuries.
“Initial results from the Lethbridge clinic have far exceeded our expectations, with an average of more than 40 patient visits each day. There is an obvious need for these services,” said Jeff Leger, head of pharmacy at Loblaw Companies Limited and president of Shoppers Drug Mart.
“That’s why we’re opening four additional locations in Alberta, a province that truly recognizes the important role pharmacists play in the public healthcare system.”
The Lethbridge clinic was opened this summer.
In a press release, Loblaws stated pharmacists in Alberta can assess patients and prescribe medications for minor illnesses and injuries, administer vaccines and other medications by injection, support chronic disease management and order and receive lab results.
“The issues plaguing the Canadian healthcare system are complex and require innovation and collaboration. We believe pharmacists can play a vital role in a collective solution,” said Leger.
“Optimizing the role of the pharmacist unlocks the potential of tens of thousands of highly trained healthcare professionals across the country. And by making certain services available from a pharmacist or in a pharmacist clinic setting, we can help address some of the gaps that have emerged in primary healthcare systems, providing patients with more options and ultimately better outcomes.”
These clinics are part of the company’s national network of healthcare professionals and infrastructure, offering a range of in-store and virtual health services to millions of Canadians each week, Loblaw said in a press release.
Loblaw offers full-service pharmacies and professional care in more than 1,800 locations in Canada, including in Shoppers Drug Mart, PharmaPrix, Loblaw pharmacy, DRUGStore Pharmacy and CENTRESante locations.
Send your news tips
Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter