Pharmacists Improve Health Care Access in Ontario
October 10, 2012 (OTTAWA) – The Ontario government’s decision to allow pharmacists to offer more services will improve access to health care for Ontarians, says the Canadian Pharmacists Association.
Premier McGuinty’s announcement yesterday that pharmacists can give flu shots, initiate smoking cessation medication, authorize prescription renewals and provide other services, supports an expanded role for pharmacists and gives Ontarians more options for their health.
According to a 2011 Ipsos Reid Canada survey, pharmacists are the most trusted profession in Canada. They are also the most accessible health care providers across the country and are often the first point of contact most Canadians have with the health care system.
“This move recognizes the skills pharmacists have and our expanding role on the health care team,” says Jeff Poston, Executive Director of the Canadian Pharmacists Association. “People will receive the care they need faster and easier because of our accessibility.”
Ontario is not the only province to recognize how pharmacists can help deliver better health care and reduce access issues in Canada’s health care system. For example, pharmacists in BC, AB and NB can also give flu shots.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association, founded in 1907, is the national professional voluntary association that advocates for pharmacists and supports its members to advance the profession and enhance patient outcomes. Our members are active in community and hospital pharmacies, in long-term care facilities, home care, academia and industry.
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For more information on what services pharmacists can offer in each province, see:
www.blueprintforpharmacy.ca
For more information, please contact:
Christine LeBlanc, Canadian Pharmacists Association
613-523-7877, ext. 278 (phone)
cleblanc@pharmacists.ca (email)
Additional news sources:
October 9, 2012 — Ontario Pharmacists Association, Ontario's pharmacists are ready to improve access to care through newly proclaimed scope of practice activities
October 9, 2012 — Government of Ontario, Pharmacists Can Now Give Flu Shots, Renew Prescriptions
October 9, 2012 — Ontario College of Pharmacists, Expanded Scope of Practice