Dartmouth, NS– March is Pharmacy Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the critical role pharmacists and pharmacy teams play in delivering accessible healthcare across Nova Scotia. This year, the celebration highlights the continued expansion of publicly funded pharmacy services now available in pharmacies across the province.
While these services are not new to pharmacists’ scope of practice, funding for these services is – and that makes an impact to how and where Nova Scotians can efficiently and effectively receive care.
A new tariff, pharmacy services, and Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinic (CPPCC) agreements came into effect earlier this year, expanding the number of publicly funded services available in community pharmacies that were previously only publicly funded at CPPCC sites. The government has seen what a positive impact these pharmacist-led clinics have had on healthcare – not as a way to “fill the gap” but to provide an accessible pathway to healthcare.
With over 300 pharmacies in Nova Scotia serving urban, rural, and coastal communities, expanded care at no cost with a valid Nova Scotia health card is life changing.
“Imagine being able to be treated at your local pharmacy instead of long hours in a walk-in clinic or emergency room and being able to use your Nova Scotia health card the same as you would at any other healthcare setting,” says Allison Bodnar, CEO, of the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia. “Many pharmacies also offer same day or next day appointments for patients.”
Nova Scotians can make an appointment at a pharmacy near them for publicly funded services including:
- Assessment and prescribing for 30+ common conditions, including allergies, uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), shingles, Pink Eye, skin infections, and more
- Contraception and sexual health services
- Vaccines and medication injection services
- Prescription renewals and adaptations
- Quit Nicotine Programs
While some services will continue to be offered at CPPCC only – ear infections for ages 3 and up, sinusitis, and chronic condition management – the number of pharmacies offering Strep throat assessment and prescribing has also expanded into community pharmacies with an additional 15 sites opening soon.
“Pharmacists are an essential part of primary care in Nova Scotia,” shares Heidi Caldwell, Chair of the Board of Directors of PANS. “This Pharmacy Appreciation Month we are delighted to be able to offer more pharmacy services at no fee with a valid Nova Scotia health card to patients in our communities that need access the most. We celebrate the expertise and dedication of pharmacy teams who are ensuring Nova Scotians can access safe, convenient care close to home.”
PANS is also celebrating Pharmacy Appreciation Month with a month-long contest where the public can nominate their pharmacy as Best Team Ever. Last year, PANS received over 400 nominations for over 80 teams in the province. Patients and pharmacy teams are also encouraged to share stories and photos on our Kudoboard (an online visual gratitude board), and on social media.
Nova Scotians are encouraged to speak with their local pharmacist to learn more about the services available to them.
For more information about pharmacy services in Nova Scotia, visit: https://pans.ns.ca/pharmacy-services
For more information on Pharmacy Appreciation Month, visit: https://pans.ns.ca/pam
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Other Details:
- Pharmacy teams provided over 650,000 pharmacy services last year.
- There are 44 Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinics across the province. Learn more: https://pans.ns.ca/cppcc
