Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinics

community pharmacy primary care clinics

The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS), in partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Health, is piloting new primary care clinics at select pharmacy locations. Clinics are located in areas with the highest number of people without a family doctor.

These clinics will provide an extended suite of pharmacy primary care services at no charge to people with a valid Nova Scotia Health Card.

These clinics are part of a study that will run until April 30, 2024.  Please click here for a copy of the consent form you will need to complete in order to receive care at these clinics. 

Learn more about services offered, participating locations, and how to book online appointments below.

Is your health card expired or expiring soon? You can renew it here. 

Participating Pharmacies

Central Zone

City Pharmacy Name Clinic Address Clinic Phone Number Online Appointment Booking Link
Bedford Brookline Pharmasave 105 - 6 Bloom Lane 902-835-9111, Ext 2 Click Here to Book
Dartmouth Shoppers Drug Mart 118 Wyse Rd 902-464-9644, option 3, then 4 Click Here to Book
Halifax Guardian Bedford 535 Larry Uteck Boulevard 902-407-4373 extension 6. Click Here to Book

Eastern Zone

City Pharmacy Name Clinic Address Clinic Phone Number Online Appointment Booking Link
North Sydney PharmaChoice 107 King Street 902-794-4444 Click Here to Book
Sydney Shoppers Drug Mart 254 Prince Street, Unit A015 902-562-1144, option 3 then 4 Click Here to Book

Northern Zone

City Pharamcy Name Clinic Address Clinic Phone Number Online Appointment Booking Link
New Glasgow Shoppers Drug Mart 912 East River Road 902-752-0280, option 3 then 4 Click Here to Book
Truro The Medicine Shoppe 664 Prince St, Suite 1B 902-814-2679 Click Here to Book

Western Zone

City Pharmacy Name Clinic Address Clinic Phone Number Online Appointment Booking Link
Berwick Wilsons Pharmasave 213 Commercial Street 902-538-3185 Click Here to Book
Bridgewater Bridgewater Guardian Pharmacy 42 Glen Allan Drive, Unit 103 902-530-2217 Click Here to Book
Greenwood Shoppers Drug Mart 1124 Bridge Street 902-765-3060, option3 then 4 Click Here to Book
Shelburne TLC Pharmasave 157 Water Street 902-875-4852 Click Here to Book
Yarmouth City Drug Store 369 Main Street 902-742-3579 Click Here to Book

Looking for a Strep throat assessment? 

  • Pharmacists look at medical history, symptoms and physical assessment to determine if a swab test is needed. In some cases a test will not be appropriate.
  • Antibiotics are only prescribed if patient is determined to have a bacterial infection; there is no prescribed treatment for viral infections.

There is no cost to you for these services when you present your Nova Scotia Health Care at one of the participating pharmacies.*

*Some exceptions may apply, see below.

Click to view the description of each service:

Assessing and Prescribing for Prescription Renewals

The pharmacist will do an assessment to determine if it is safe and effective for you to continue to take the medication(s). If appropriate, the pharmacist will prescribe renewals (refills) for your medication(s). The pharmacist may also at this time recommend dosage adjustments or other changes to ensure your medication is doing what is expected. 

This service is covered with your NS Health card up to 4 times per year.  

Note:  Pharmacists may assess and renew for narcotic and controlled drugs and substances, however there are limitations on the amounts that can be prescribed.  The pharmacist will do an assessment to determine if it is appropriate to renew and in what quantity.
 

Chronic Disease Care - Heart Disease

Patients diagonosed with heart disease and high blood pressure qualify to receive chronic disease care from a pharmacist.  

The pharmacists will provide an initial assessment to collect patient information, identity any potential medication problems to resolve and discuss your goals for care.

Together the patient and pharmacist will create a plan which could include:

  • The pharmacist prescribing changes to your medications to help reach A1C, glucose, blood pressure and other goals.
  • Guidance in minimizing or avoiding adverse effects from your medication
  • In-pharmacy finger-stick testing for A1C and cholesterol (reducing the number of lab visits required)
  • Training and support with home blood glucose or home blood pressure monitoring
  • Support and coaching to meet any lifestyle goals you set such as diet, exercise or smoking cessation
  • Ensuring you are up to date on the recommended immunizations for your condition 
  • Setting a follow-up plan with the pharmacist to support you in achieving your goals.

 

Chronic Disease Care - Lung Conditions (Asthma and COPD)

Patients diagnosed with asthma or COPD qualify to receive chronic disease care from a pharmacist.  

The pharmacist will provide an initial assessment to collect patient information, identity any potential medication problems to resolve and discuss your goals for care.

Together the patient and pharmacist will create a plan which could include:

  • The pharmacist prescribing changes to your medications to help you feel better and/or prevent worsening of your symptoms.
  • Guidance in minimizing or avoiding adverse effects from your medication
  • Counseling and support with proper inhaler technique
  • Support and coaching to meet any lifestyle goals you set such as diet, exercise or smoking cessation
  • Ensuring you are up to date on the recommended immunizations for lung conditions 
  • Setting a follow-up plan with the pharmacist to support you in achieving your goals.

 

Chronic Disease Care - Diabetes

Patients diagnosed with diabetes qualify to receive chronic disease care from a pharmacist.  

The pharmacists will provide an initial assessment to collect patient information, identity any potential medication problems to resolve and discuss your goals for care.

Together the patient and pharmacist will create a plan which could include:

  • The pharmacist prescribing changes to your medications to help reach A1C, glucose, blood pressure and other goals.
  • Guidance in minimizing or avoiding adverse effects from your medication
  • In-pharmacy finger-stick testing for A1C and cholesterol (reducing the number of lab visits required)
  • Training and support with home blood glucose or home blood pressure monitoring
  • Support and coaching to meet any lifestyle goals you set such as diet, exercise or smoking cessation
  • Ensuring you are up to date on the recommended immunizations for diabetes
  • Setting a follow-up plan with the pharmacist to support you in achieving your goals.

 

Common & Minor Ailments

COMMON & MINOR AILMENTS THAT PHARMACISTS CAN ASSESS & PRESCRIBE FOR:

GASTROINTESTINAL/DIGESTIVE TRACT

  • Diarrhea (non-infectious)
  • Heartburn/Reflux
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Nausea

INFECTIONS

  • Bladder Infections
  • Shingles
  • Strep Throat (pilot in 12 project sites only)
  • Vaginal yeast infections
  • Fungal infections of the skin
  • Impetigo
  • Cold Sores
  • Lyme disease prevention after black legged tick bite

HEAD/ NOSE/ THROAT

  • Allergic Rhinitis
  • Headache (mild)
  • Oral Thrush
  • Oral Ulcers
  • Sore Throat

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

  • Birth Control
  • Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
  • Emergency Contraception
  • Vaginal Yeast Infections

SKIN CONDITIONS

  • Acne (mild)
  • Calluses and Corns
  • Contact Allergic Dermatitis
  • Dandruff
  • Eczema (mild to moderate)
  • Fungal Infections of the Skin
  • Hives (mild)
  • Impetigo
  • Warts (excluding facial and genital)

OTHER

  • Dry Eye
  • Joint Pain (minor)
  • Muscle Pain (minor)
  • Sleep Disorders (minor)
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Threadworms and Pinworms

The pharmacist will have a detailed discussion with you to assess your ailment. They will ask what medical conditions you have, what medications you take, what kind of symptoms you are having, and how long have you had them. The pharmacist will then recommend an over-the-counter medication or a prescription medication. If a medication is prescribed during the assessment, the pharmacist will write a prescription. If the pharmacist believes your condition is more serious, they will refer you to your primary care provider.

A notification of any medications prescribed or test results will be sent to your physician or NP.  If you do not have one following your care, records are available to patients and available on the pharmacy file for 10 years.

Anticoagulation Management for Warfarin Patients (CPAMS)

Patients that take the medication warfarin can now participate in the Community Pharmacy-led Anticoagulation Management Program (CPAMS).  The service includes INR Testing with a finger stick blood test that gives results in 5 minutes.  The pharmacist can provide dose changes and advice based on the results.  Pharmacies use a hospital grade testing device.  Patients no longer need blood work completed at the lab nor to wait for results.

The service also includes: 

  • A review with the pharmacist to assess factors that may be affecting your test results.
  • Pharmacist recommendations that could include continuing with your usual warfarin dose, or the pharmacist prescribing a change to your warfarin dose.  They will also provide other recommendations to assist with managing your medications and other factors that can affect your INR results where applicable. 
  • A calendar print-out with your dosing instructions.

Results will also be sent to your family physician or nurse practitioner. 

Assessment for Prescribing Birth Control

This service is only for those seeking a method of hormonal contraception.  Pharmacists cannot provide this service if you require birth control for reasons other than contraceptive purposes (such as managing menstrual cramps, acne, etc).

During the assessment process, the pharmacist will work with you to determine the therapy that best meets your needs. You and your pharmacist will select the most appropriate method of birth control based on your medical history, medications, risk factors, guidelines and your preferences. Pharmacists may only prescribe intra-uterine methods (also known as IUD or IUC) of birth control when practicing as part of an arrangement with a primary care provider who can conduct an appropriate physical exam and insert the device. An initial three-month trial is usually prescribed for new treatment.  The pharmacist will follow up with you to re-assess.  Once an appropriate therapy is established, your prescription may be valid for up to one year.

During your consultation, the pharmacist will provide you with information on proper use of your birth control, what to do when you miss a dose, and possible adverse reactions. Your pharmacist will provide you with information and resources pertaining to other sexual health topics (such as sexually transmitted diseases, sexual dysfunction, assault, abortion, and screenings for cancer). They will also assess for any potential sexual health risk factors.

A notification of any medications prescribed or test results will be sent to your physician or NP.    If you do not have one following your care, records are available to patients and available on the pharmacy file for 10 years.

Shingles Treatment

An early start of antiviral medications for patients with shingles (herpes zoster) is very important. During your assessment, the pharmacist will assess your symptoms. Symptoms can include:

  • pain or a tingling sensation in a limited area on one side of the face or torso
  • red rash with small, fluid-filled blisters
  • fever
  • headache
  • chills
  • upset stomach

You will be provided information on skin care management, vaccines to prevent recurrence and be prescribed an antiviral medication, if needed. If a medication is prescribed during the assessment, the pharmacist will write a prescription. If the pharmacist finds that you have symptoms that can lead to more serious complications (such as vision impairment), they will refer you to emergency care.

A notification of any medications prescribed or test results will be sent to your physician or NP.  If you do not have one following your care, records are available to patients and available on the pharmacy file for 10 years.

 

Lyme Disease Prevention

If you have been bitten by a tick, the pharmacist can assess the need for treatment to help prevent Lyme disease. Pharmacists can determine whether a preventive antibiotic is appropriate. The assessment will include:

  1. whether the tick bite was from a blacklegged tick
  2. whether the tick was removed in the previous 72 hours
  3. whether the tick was attached for at least 36 hours

The treatment is only recommended if it can be administered within a 72-hour window after the tick is removed. If there are any symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a rash or bull's eye rash at the bite site, then patients will be referred to their primary care provider for other treatment options.

A notification of any medications prescribed or test results will be sent to your physician or NP.    If you do not have one following your care, records are available to patients and available on the pharmacy file for 10 years. 

 

Uncomplicated Bladder Infections

Pharmacists are able to prescribe for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI), often referred to as bladder infections. In order to be assessed by a pharmacist you must:

  • be 16 years of age or older
  • have been assigned the sex of female at birth
  • have been previously diagnosed with the condition at least once before
  • have not had a UTI in the past 6 months

Pharmacists cannot assess or prescribe for UTIs for men or individuals under 16 and those that have not had a UTI in the past.

Your pharmacist will ask you a series of questions to determine if your infection meets the criteria for 'uncomplicated' or not. If they determine you have an uncomplicated infection, your pharmacist can prescribe an antibiotic based on your specific needs, medical conditions, allergies and past history.

You will not be required to provide a urine sample at a pharmacy, as guidelines do not require this for uncomplicated infections. 

If your infection does not meet the criteria for an uncomplicated UTI, your pharmacist will refer you to your primary care provider or nurse practitioner for further testing.

A notification of any medications prescribed or test results will be sent to your physician or NP.    If you do not have one following your care, records are available to patients and available on the pharmacy file for 10 years.

 

Sore Throat including Strep Throat

Pharmacists participating in the Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic Project can assess patients age 3 and over that have a sore throat to confirm if they have strep throat (Group A Streptococcal infection) which will require antibiotics.   The pharmacist will ask questions about medical history, signs and symptoms that the patient is experiencing and perform a head, neck and throat exam.  If the patient has signs of strep throat confirmed by the exam, the pharmacist will also take a swab of the back of the throat and perform a rapid molecular test in the pharmacy which will take approximately 10 minutes.   If positive, the pharmacist may prescribe antibiotics.    

Mental Health and Addiction Services

Medication & Mental Illness Assessments (Bloom Program)

Your pharmacist can help you with your mental health/addiction diagnoses in many ways including managing medication-related issues and provide one-on-one care. Patients must have been diagnosed with one or more mental health or addiction diagnoses and have a medication problem that they would like to work on with their pharmacist.

Nicotine Dependence

Pharmacists are effective in providing a smoking cessation program and contributing to patient quit rates or reductions in the amount of nicotine used. They help smokers and those that use nicotine products reduce their use by providing behavioural counselling, creating quit plans, recommending nicotine replacement therapy and scheduling follow-up visits.

    Take Home Naloxone Kits & Training

    Naloxone is a medication that is injected to provide a partial or complete reversal of an opioid overdose.  This medication can prevent death and respiratory depression associated with opioid overdose.  Pharmacies can provide you with a free take home naloxone kit, recommended for those at risk of an opioid overdose and those who are most likely to witness and respond to an opioid overdose. The pharmacist will provide opioid overdose prevention education as well as training on the administration of naloxone.

    Injections pharmacy professionals can administer*:

    • Opioid Addiction Treatment
    • Anti-psychotic medications
    • Other (please ask)

    *Prescription from another provider may be required for some injectable medications.  The pharmacist will conduct an assessment before each injection to ensure it is safe/suitable to administer.

    Immunization and Injection Services

     

    Pharmacies are a convenient and an easily accessible place to receive your immunizations & injections. Prior to giving you any vaccine or injection, the pharmacist will conduct an assessment to sure it is appropriate for you. Sometimes, vaccines or injections require a prescription. Pharmacists can currently prescribe and inject the following:

    Publicly Funded Vaccines

    • Influenza
    • COVID-19

    Non-Publicly Funded Vaccines

    If you do not already have a prescription for these vaccines, consider booking a virtual consultation first.  The pharmacists will do an assessment online to determine if you are eligible for the vaccine and write a prescription in advance, saving time at an injection appointment.  

    • Hep A & B
    • Typhoid Fever
    • Shingles 
    • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)* 
    • Chickenpox vaccine* 
    • Meningococcal Vaccine* 
    • Pneumococcal Vaccine* 

    *Some patients may be eligible for publicly funded vaccines that are not currently available at the clinic.  The pharmacist will advise when this is the case.

    Administration of Injectable Medications

    • Vit B12
    • Contraception Injection
    • Other medications injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously**

    **Prescription from another provider may be required for some injectable medications