Shoppers opens first pharmacy care clinic in Surrey
A new Shoppers Drug Mart location dedicated to primary care opened Friday in Surrey.
It’s the first of seven planned clinics across the country now that pharmacists in B.C. and other provinces are allowed to prescribe medication for several types of minor ailments.
“As highly trained medical professionals, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to step up and meet some of the challenges facing public health systems across the country,” Jeff Leger, president of Shoppers Drug Mart, said in a news release.
The clinic has child-friendly exam rooms, accessible waiting areas, and an onsite care concierge to support patients for smooth visits. The layout will allow pharmacists to more easily see and treat people with common conditions such as urinary tract infections and pinkeye.
The visit is free for B.C. residents with a valid care card, though medicine itself will come at a cost — though how much a patient pays will vary based on what drug coverage have.
“I want to thank Shoppers Drug Mart for this important investment in our community, and I look forward to the positive impact these clinics will have on our residents,” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said in a news release. “As we continue to grow and become the first city to reach one million people in British Columbia, health care needs are a priority.”
The clinic will be open from 8 am to 10 pm, seven days a week. It’s located at 7322 King George Boulevard.
More information on the types of illnesses and conditions pharmacists can treat is available on the B.C. government website.