Barrie pharmacy launches 1st provincial pharmacist care walk-in clinic
The first provincial pharmacist care walk-in clinic has opened at the Rexall in the north end of Barrie to provide more immediate care for minor illnesses and chronic care in a more private setting.
With a critical shortage of doctors in the province, the ability for pharmacists to help prescribe for some ailments may help keep patients out of emergency rooms.
“I would say it’s a historic moment,” said Qaiser Hassan, the pharmacy manager of the Rexall on Duckworth Street. “People already come to us when they cannot see their own family doctor.”
The pharmacist care walk-in clinic plans to offer personalized health care at a similar level as hospitals and family physicians, and at a much faster rate.
“The goal is to see the doctors within 15-to-20 minutes,” added Hassan.
The care will also be provided under OHIP coverage.
“Some of the things people come into a family physician for may be able to come to a pharmacist,” said Rolan Vaisman, a clinical pharmacist at Rexall. “Such as the minor illnesses we are advertising in our services.”
Those services will include prescriptions for strep throat, cold sores, urinary tract infections, and rashes among other illnesses.
“It’s something that will embrace the new model of pharmacy as pharmacies continue with having an expanded scope,” Vaisman added.
Both MP Doug Shipley and MPP Doug Downey touted the significance of what it means to enhance health care in Barrie for those who might be struggling to find a family doctor.
“I know a lot of people go to [Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre] for small things,” stated Shipley. “Hopefully this takes some of the pressure off of them.”
“I think it’s a great innovation,” said Downey. “Now [pharmacies] will be able to deal with walkins and provide treatment.”
The new pharmacist care walk-in clinic will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Rexall hopes the Duckworth Street location will be the first of many across Ontario.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.