A Georgetown Shoppers Drug Mart is now home to a pharmacy care clinic.
The new service at the 265 Guelph St. location was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday (Nov. 1).
As the name suggests, the pharmacy area is being augmented with a range of services and equipment where staff can assess patients, prescribe medications, treat small injuries and administer vaccines.
Shoppers Drug Mart Senior VP Anthony Spina told HaltonHillsToday that the changing post-COVID landscape of healthcare access is one of the push factors that created the clinic.
“Access to care has become challenging in general,” Spina said in reference to increasing wait times to see a doctor.
Pharmacist and owner of the Guelph Street Shoppers Drug Mart Hassan Mohamedali believes clinics like this will be a vital addition in Halton Hills in particular. The town has an aging population, and more people than ever have complex care needs.
“This is where a pharmacist’s scope of practice comes into play. We’re able to manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart health in a space like this,” Mohamedali said.
Perhaps the most visible part of the clinic is the consultation rooms that are somewhat reminiscent of the examination rooms of full-fledged doctor’s clinics. They're equipped with patient care beds and fridges for vaccines. In addition, a child-friendly room is an option for stressed parents who want their son or daughter to be cared for in a calm environment.
PC Health Prescription lockers will allow patients to skip the line at the pharmacy. They can simply order their medication using the PC Health app and pick them up from the lockers.
To help navigate these and other parts of the clinic visit, a care concierge will be on hand.
“This is an absolutely beautiful clinic,” Mayor Ann Lawlor said at the ribbon cutting.
Lawlor helped demonstrate the function of the clinic by receiving flu and COVID vaccines in one of the consultation rooms.
No appointment is necessary, but those who want to book a spot can do so online at ShoppersDrugMart.ca or by calling the pharmacy directly at 905-877-2291.