Pharmacists in Alberta have one of the broadest scopes of practice in Canada. Since 2007, this expanded scope has allowed pharmacists to assess, treat, and prescribe for a variety of minor ailments, chronic conditions, and preventative care services.
Shoppers Drug Mart is now building on this foundation with their Pharmacy Care Clinics, which are changing the way residents seek treatment.
These Pharmacy care clinics go beyond offering prescription refills and provide a wide range of services, from minor ailments and chronic disease management to vaccinations and travel health consultations.
A new era in pharmacy care
"These clinics mark an important step forward in how Albertans can access healthcare," says Abimbola (Bola) Fawumi, Associate Owner & Pharmacist at a Calgary Shoppers Drug Mart.
“We’ve moved beyond filling prescriptions to offer more comprehensive healthcare in the community. This is the future of pharmacy – patient-centered and accessible.”
From booking an appointment to receiving care, everything is built around ease and accessibility. Private consultation rooms ensure a comfortable, confidential environment, while child-friendly spaces cater to families. With extended hours, patients can access care outside of traditional work times, addressing the needs of busy lives.
“We’ve seen great results so far,” Fawumi adds. “One patient shared that we saved them over six hours of waiting by assessing and treating their condition right in the clinic.”
A key resource for minor ailments
Pharmacists in Alberta can assess and treat a wide range of health conditions, including common minor ailments like pink eye, strep throat, cold sores, insect bites and stings, and muscle sprains.
“Conditions like these are common, but they don’t necessarily require more complex care or multiple appointments to resolve,” Fawumi explains. Additional ailments that are commonly seen by pharmacists across the province also include seasonal allergies, tick bites, eczema, contraception and acid reflux.
“Pharmacists are trained to diagnose and treat these ailments, but it's important to remember that we complement the care provided by other healthcare practitioners, not replace it.”
While pharmacists can manage a wide variety of conditions, more complex cases that require lab tests or specialist evaluations remain outside their scope.
In addition to minor ailments, the clinics offer chronic disease management, such as diabetes care, as well as travel consultations, smoking cessation support, and vaccines like the flu shot, making them a one-stop healthcare destination for families and individuals alike.
Care concierge
Another innovation at Shoppers Drug Mart’s clinics is the introduction of the ‘Care Concierge.’ This staff member serves as the first point of contact for patients entering the clinic, assisting patients with appointments and navigating services, ensuring a seamless and stress-free process.
“We’re more than just a place to pick up prescriptions,” Fawumi adds. “Our clinics are community healthcare hubs, where residents can access a range of services and receive the support they need. We’re here to make healthcare more accessible and to be a trusted resource for our community.”
For more information, visit shoppersdrugmart.ca.