Red Deer one of four new pharmacist-led health clinics in Alberta

Following the success of Alberta’s first pharmacist-led clinic in Lethbridge, Loblaw Companies Ltd. (TSX: L) (“Loblaw”) has announced plans to open four additional locations in the coming weeks.

Company officials say the clinics will be located in traditionally underserviced areas of the province, including Red Deer, Fort Saskatchewan, Brooks, and Edson. The clinics will offer a range of healthcare services to patients, including assessment and treatment of common ailments and injuries.

“Initial results from the Lethbridge clinic have far exceeded our expectations, with an average of more than 40 patient visits each day. There is an obvious need for these services,” said Jeff Leger, President of Shoppers Drug Mart. “That’s why we’re opening four additional locations in Alberta, a province that truly recognizes the important role pharmacists play in the public healthcare system.”

Through their expanded scope of practice, officials say pharmacists in Alberta can assess patients and prescribe medications for minor illnesses and injuries, administer vaccines and other medications by injection, support chronic disease management and order and receive lab results.