N.S. pilot clinics to expand scope of practice for pharmacists, freeing up busy ERs

Pharmacists in 12 clinics will have dedicated time to treat patients for common illnesses, and for the first time will test, diagnose and treat strep throat

CITYnews halifax \ Canadian Press about 6 hours ago

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HALIFAX — A new $1-million pilot project in Nova Scotia will expand the scope of practice for pharmacists as the province tries to free up space in its struggling emergency departments.

Health Minister Michelle Thompson says the new program will be piloted in 12 pharmacies across the province, with more locations expected in the spring.

With appointments beginning Wednesday, pharmacists in these pilot clinics will have dedicated time to treat patients for common illnesses, and for the first time will test, diagnose and treat strep throat.

They will also be able to prescribe and manage medications for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

As well, pharmacies will receive more money for services they already provide, including care for 31 ailments such as minor joint and muscle pains, eczema, cold sores and heartburn.

Care already available at no cost in pharmacies includes the assessment and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and shingles, contraception, and Lyme disease prevention and prescription renewals.

“We need to change how we deliver health care to help Nova Scotians get the care they need faster,” Thompson said in a news release. “In doing this, we will help people stay well, and free up emergency departments for emergencies.”

Beverley Zwicker, CEO and registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists, said that using pharmacists in primary care will make better use of the existing health-care workforce.

“This is an important shift in health-care delivery as we work towards solutions for our current crisis and supporting Nova Scotians in getting the right care, from the right person, at the right time,” Zwicker said.

Under the program, assessment and treatment records will be held by the pharmacy or provided to the patient unless they have a family physician or nurse practitioner.

The first dozen clinics will operate at pharmacies in Yarmouth, Shelburne, Bridgewater, Berwick, Greenwood, Dartmouth, Bedford, Halifax, Truro, New Glasgow, Sydney and North Sydney.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 31, 2023.

The Canadian Press

Pharmacy locations with appointments available beginning Wednesday:

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 118 Wyse Rd., Dartmouth
• Guardian Bedford, 535 Larry Uteck Blvd., Bedford
• North Sydney PharmaChoice, 107 King St., North Sydney
• Shoppers Drug Mart, 254 Prince St., Sydney
• Shoppers Drug Mart, 912 East River Rd., New Glasgow
• The Medicine Shoppe, 664 Prince St., Truro
• Wilsons Pharmasave, 213 Commercial St., Berwick
• Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy, 42 Glen Allan Dr., Bridgewater
• Shoppers Drug Mart, 1124 Bridge St., Greenwood
• TLC Pharmasave, 157 Water St., Shelburne
• City Drug Store, 369 Main St., Yarmouth

Brookline Pharmacy at 105-6 Bloom Lane, Bedford, will have appointments starting later in February.