Pharmacists: Trusted Care, When and Where you Need It

For Immediate Release                                                                           
Monday, March 2, 2015
Pharmacists Provide What You Need, When and Where You Need It

 

Dartmouth, NS –  As the most accessible health care providers in Canada, pharmacists are able to provide quality care conveniently and quickly. Nova Scotia pharmacists are at the forefront of pharmacy care and provide their fellow Nova Scotians with many services not available in other provinces.

March is Pharmacy Awareness Month (PAM)  in Canada,  a month-long period to celebrate and educate Canadians on the contributions that pharmacists make in the delivery of quality health care.

“Nova Scotians have always known they can rely on their pharmacist for trusted advice on medications and how they may affect their health,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “Pharmacists are providing important care in their communities, and we appreciate their dedication and professionalism.”

In Nova Scotia, pharmacists can administer many immunizations, including the flu shot and immunizations for a host of other illnesses. Not only can pharmacists administer your vaccine, they can prescribe for them as well.  If you find yourself with a minor ailment like a cold sore, pharmacists can assess your condition, prescribe you the appropriate treatment and dispense any medications the pharmacist may prescribe. With more than 300 pharmacies in the province, pharmacies provide convenient, accessible care close to home.

Pharmacists are highly trained medication experts. They provide important counselling on your medications and can provide you with a record of your medications.  Scheduling a medication review gives you the opportunity to have a private consultation with your pharmacist on all the medications you are taking, including non-prescription over-the-counter medications.

Pharmacists also play an important role on your hospital care team. Fifteen percent of pharmacists work in hospitals or hospital‐based clinics. They ensure you receive the safest and most effective drug therapy.

“Nova Scotians’ health and safety is the number one priority of pharmacists across this province,” said Sandeep Sodhi, a community pharmacist from Truro and Chair of the Board of Directors of Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia. “We work hard every day to ensure our patients are receiving the best care possible, when and where they need it.”

The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia invites Nova Scotians to learn more about what your pharmacist can do for you by visiting the Pharmacy of Nova Scotia website at pans.ns.ca. While visiting the website, find the pharmacist hidden on one of the website pages and enter to win a $1,500 travel gift card.

The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia is the advocacy body for more than 1,300 pharmacists practicing in Nova Scotia.

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For more information, please contact:

Amy Wagg
Director of Communications
Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia
Phone: (902) 422-9583, ext 4
Email: amy@pans.ns.ca