by Joe DuQuesnay, R.Ph., Pharmasave Brentwood Bay –
We’ve all been there. “The baby just got stung by a wasp!” Or, “Darn it! I must have left my pills in the hotel!” Or, “What’s this weird rash on half of my face?” Or … .
Hopefully you know exactly who to call, and if you don’t, the answer is: Your Community Pharmacist. Wherever you live, wherever you travel, there is probably a community pharmacy right there, ready and willing to help you with your health and wellness needs.
Around the world, and right here at home, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to serve you. As the world entered a time of fear and uncertainty from the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacies geared up to meet the challenge of being on the “front line.” Communities everywhere were losing access to all manner of wellness products and services, from hand sanitizer, to hairstylists, to family physicians. In response, we implemented trendsetting hygiene protocols, procured supplies from unique sources and utilized our skills as your most accessible and trusted health care providers.
And we continue to do so.
Community pharmacists are major contributors to health care systems around the world. The role of the pharmacist in the community has evolved throughout the years, expanding from the dispensing of medicines towards a more patient-centred approach with increased provision of clinical pharmacy services. As health care systems face financial and staffing challenges that continue to escalate, pharmacists are responding by using our skills to offer expanded services to our patients. Pharmacists are particularly trained and qualified to provide advice and counseling about the right choice and usage of medications, to monitor treatment outcomes, to reduce the risk for unintentional adverse effects, and to prevent drug interactions. We have established a widespread network of services that provide direct outpatient care. If you are one of the fortunate ones to have a regular doctor, we are there to help you and your doctor to manage and maintain your medication treatments. And if you are without a regular doctor, but still requiring ongoing treatment, we can assess your needs and fill the gap until you can get access to that treatment.
Pharmacists continue to be Canada’s most trusted health care providers and are seen by Canadians five to seven times more often than than by a family doctor. Our community relationships mean that we know your community better than anyone. This makes your community pharmacy a virtually limitless resource for supporting public and community health initiatives and opportunities to partner with other healthcare providers like nurses, dentists, physicians and naturopaths to improve your health outcomes and to build stronger, healthier communities.
Could that rash be shingles? I’m there for you to provide routine immunizations. I can help you or a loved one to quit smoking. I can help the baby get over that wasp sting, and I’ll help you replace that lost medication. I’m your community pharmacist. Let’s get to know each other.
