Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who play a vital role in the management of patients' health, including the prescribing of medications. Pharmacist prescribing authority – their ability to prescribe medications, initiate and adjust doses, and manage drug therapeutic substitutions for patients without the need for physician involvement – has been an ongoing topic of policy discussions across all Canadian provinces in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding prescribing authority to pharmacists’ full capabilities across all provinces has never been more urgent and relevant than in this period of severe, enduring healthcare professional shortage across the country.
Press Releases - McKesson Canada
McKesson Canada’s independent pharmacies Guardian, I.D.A., Remedy’sRx and The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacies welcome decision to prescribe for minor ailments
Mississauga, ON (January 17, 2023) - Pharmacists at McKesson Canada’s independent pharmacy network including Guardian, I.D.A, Remedy'sRx and The Medicine Shoppe in Ontario can now prescribe and treat 13 minor conditions, including cold sores, pink eye, hemorrhoids, hives and urinary tract infections, among others.
Patients can now walk into their local pharmacy and receive assessment and treatment from their pharmacist for the following 13 conditions:
- hay fever
- oral thrush
- pink eye
- dermatitis
- menstrual cramps
- acid reflux
- hemorrhoids
- cold sores
- impetigo
- insect bites and hives
- tick bites
- sprains and strains
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
By allowing pharmacists to support patients with these needs, it increases access to quality care and takes pressure off the health system like hospitals, primary care clinics and emergency rooms.
"Our independent pharmacists at Guardian, I.D.A., Remedy'sRx and The Medicine Shoppe are standing by to help provide greater convenience and choice for their patients to obtain quality healthcare services where they need them the most,” says Smita Patil, Vice President, Retail Member Relations and Professional Affairs at McKesson Canada. “By using their expertise to assess and treat minor conditions, pharmacists help patients get the care they need sooner and closer to home.”
About McKesson Canada
McKesson Canada is a diversified health-care services leader dedicated to advancing health outcomes for patients. Our teams partner with pharmaceutical companies, care providers, pharmacies, manufacturers, governments, and others to deliver products, services and insights to help make quality care more accessible and affordable.
Learn more about how McKesson Canada is impacting virtually every aspect of health care at www.McKesson.ca
For more information:
Andrew Campbell
Media Relations
media@mckesson.ca
- Publish Date
- 1/17/23
McKesson Canada's Independent Pharmacies Guardian, I.D.A., Remedy’sRx and The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacies Launch Annual Flu Vaccination Campaigns
Today, McKesson Canada’s retail banner group pharmacies, including Guardian, I.D.A, Remedy'sRx and The Medicine Shoppe launched their annual flu shot campaign.
“Our independently owned community pharmacies are ready to deliver the flu vaccine to Canadians who wish to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Smita Patil, Vice-President of Retail Member Relations and Professional Affairs, McKesson Canada. “Canadians should feel assured knowing their local pharmacist will be able to provide flu shots with high quality care, knowledge, and a safe environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of patients.”
Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians get sick with the flu. While most people will recover after contracting the flu, it can be life-threating for people at high risk such as children, seniors, and those with chronic health conditions.
Getting vaccinated against the flu every year is an important part of keeping Canadians healthy. The vaccine not only protects individuals against some strains of the virus, but also reduces the severity of symptoms for those who do get the flu. It takes a community to prevent the spread of influenza and for about every 20 people that get a vaccine, one case is prevented.
Our Independent community pharmacies are proud to play a vital role in the Canadian healthcare industry and in our greater society. Contact your local community pharmacist today to schedule your free flu vaccine. Make an appointment today by visiting the websites of Guardian, I.D.A, Remedy'sRx or The Medicine Shoppe to find the closest pharmacy near you. Availability by province and pharmacy location may vary.
About McKesson Canada
McKesson Canada is a diversified healthcare services leader dedicated to advancing health outcomes for patients everywhere. Our teams partner with biopharma companies, care providers, pharmacies, manufacturers, governments, and others to deliver insights, products and services to help make quality care more accessible and affordable. Learn more about how McKesson Canada is impacting virtually every aspect of healthcare at www.McKesson.ca.
For more information:
Andrew Campbell
Media Relations
- Publish Date
- 10/13/22
Les pharmacies affiliées à Proxim et Uniprix lancent leur campagne annuelle de vaccination contre la grippe
Montréal (Québec), le 5 octobre 2022 — Les pharmacies affiliées à Proxim et Uniprix lancent leur campagne annuelle de vaccination contre la grippe.
« Au cours des dernières années, nos pharmaciens communautaires ont su démontrer qu’ils sont partie intégrante du système de santé québécois », a déclaré Erick Gagné, président-directeur général, Proxim et Uniprix. « Après avoir participé à l’effort de vaccination contre la COVID-19, les pharmaciens sont prêts, encore cette année, à vacciner les Québécois qui souhaitent se protéger et protéger leurs proches contre la grippe. »
L'activité grippale dans l'hémisphère Sud ayant été plus précoce par rapport aux années précédentes, la campagne de vaccination contre l'influenza a été devancée cette année et débutera le 5 octobre. Chaque année, des milliers de Québécois souffrent de la grippe, ce qui engorge davantage les hôpitaux et le système de santé. Bien que la plupart des gens se rétablissent après avoir contracté la grippe, celle-ci peut menacer la vie des personnes à risque, notamment celle des enfants, des aînés et des personnes atteintes de maladies chroniques.
Consultez les sites internet de Proxim et d’Uniprix afin de prendre votre rendez-vous dès aujourd’hui dans la pharmacie la plus près de chez vous. Profitez-en pour recevoir, en même temps et de façon sécuritaire, le vaccin contre la COVID-19.
*Les pharmaciens propriétaires affiliés à Proxim et Uniprix sont les seuls responsables de l’exercice de la pharmacie.
À propos de McKesson Canada
McKesson Canada est un chef de file diversifié en matière de services de soins de santé qui se consacre à l’avancement des résultats relatifs à la santé des patients du monde entier. Nos équipes collaborent avec les sociétés biopharmaceutiques, les fournisseurs de soins, les pharmacies, les fabricants, les gouvernements et d’autres intervenants afin de fournir des perspectives, des produits et des services permettant de rendre les soins de qualité plus accessibles et abordables. Apprenez-en davantage sur l’impact de McKesson Canada sur pratiquement tous les aspects des soins de santé sur www.mckesson.ca.
Renseignements
Melissa Turgeon
Relations médias pour le Québec
(514) 601-7280
- Publish Date
- 10/5/22
McKesson Canada's Guardian, I.D.A., Remedy’sRx® and The Medicine Shoppe® Pharmacies Launch Annual Flu Vaccination Campaigns
Mississauga, ON, October 18, 2021 — Today, McKesson Canada’s retail banner group pharmacies, including Guardian®, I.D.A®, Remedy'sRx® and The Medicine Shoppe® launched their annual flu shot campaign.
“Our independently owned community pharmacies are at the ready, more than ever following a successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign, to deliver the flu vaccine to Canadians who wish to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Elyse Desmeules Vice-President of Member and Retail Pharmacy Services, McKesson Canada. “Canadians should feel assured knowing their local pharmacist will be able to provide flu shots with high quality care, knowledge, and a safe environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of patients.”
Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians get sick with the flu, putting extra pressure on hospitals and health care systems across the country, which have been strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. While most people will recover after contracting the flu, it can be life-threating for people at high risk such as children, seniors, and those with chronic health conditions.
McKesson Canada's banner pharmacies are introducing safety measures to ensure patients feel safe and secure when receiving their flu shot. Depending on participating locations, this may include appointment scheduling, increased sanitation measures and hand sanitizing stations. Local guidelines implemented to protect the public against COVID-19 will also continue to be adhered to, including physical distancing, reduced store capacity and the wearing of face masks or coverings.
Protect yourself and your community. Make an appointment today by visiting the websites of Guardian®, I.D.A®, Remedy'sRx® or The Medicine Shoppe® to find the closest pharmacy near you. Availability by province and pharmacy location may vary.
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About McKesson Canada
Founded more than 100 years ago, McKesson Canada is dedicated to delivering vital medicines, supplies and information technologies that enable the health care industry to provide patients better, safer care. Our solutions empower pharmacies, manufacturers, hospitals and other health care institutions by enabling them to get closer to the millions of patients they serve every single day, while contributing to the quality and safety of care in Canada.
For more information:
Andrew Forgione
Media Relations and Public Affairs Andrew.Forgione@mckesson.ca
905.671.4586
- Publish Date
- 10/18/21
McKesson Canada Launches Full-Suite Digital Offering for Patients and Healthcare Professionals
Industry-leading partnership with Auxita simplifies the specialty patient journey
MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 16, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, McKesson Canada is pleased to announce Canada's most robust set of integrated digital solutions intended to enhance specialty physicians' ability to support their patients through their entire healthcare journey. This initiative builds on our ongoing efforts to provide better digital offerings for Canadians.
Canada’s leading end-to-end EMR connected digital network (CNW Group/MCKESSON CANADA)
"Managing a patient who requires a specialty medication entails detailed planning and an investment in time and resources to adequately diagnose and provide treatment," said Ramy Ayad, Senior Vice-President, Specialty Health, McKesson Canada. "Our goal with today's announcement is to alleviate the administrative burden on healthcare professionals in areas such as medication access, workflow and communication, so that more time can be spent on what matters most – caring for patients."
A strategic partnership delivering market-leading digital capabilities
McKesson Canada, in partnership with leading Canadian technology firm Auxita, is expanding modern digital capabilities to simplify the patient journey. These solutions and capabilities will enable digital connectivity into Patient Support Programs (PSPs), streamlining the clinical workflow and patient experience to navigate complexities related to specialty medications and providing real time data on where the patient is on their treatment journey.
The technology facilitates patient to physician communication and eliminates administrative tasks, creating significant program efficiencies, enhancing the patient experience and shortening the amount of time to receive therapy. The platform will be Electronic Medical Record (EMR) agnostic and will be available for providers who do not have compatible EMRs.
"The Auxita platform is a comprehensive digital health care ecosystem. It delivers actionable insights, evidence-based pathways, simplified enrolment, and seamless communication to improve patient care," said Matt Cahill, CEO at Auxita. "We are looking forward to this partnership positively impacting the lives of Canadians, as we simplify the specialty healthcare experience."
A new, simplified specialty patient journey
Unlike existing solutions on the market today, the Auxita platform integrates directly into the existing office workflow. It seamlessly connects with EMRs to provide real time data on where the patient is on their treatment journey.
"As the largest technological initiative in the history of McKesson Canada Specialty Health, the new platform offers intelligent condition-specific alerts and reminders, getting patients started on a treatment plan sooner where a prescription is already available, and creates patient programs that support better treatment outcomes," continued Ayad.
McKesson Canada expects all digital capabilities to be fully operational by December 2021. For more information about this initiative, please contact media@mckesson.ca.
About McKesson Canada
Founded more than 100 years ago, McKesson Canada is dedicated to delivering vital medicines, supplies and information technologies that enable the healthcare industry to provide patients better, safer care. Our solutions empower pharmacies, our biopharma partners, hospitals and other healthcare institutions by enabling them to get closer to the millions of patients they serve every single day, while contributing to the quality and safety of care in Canada. For more information, please visit mckesson.ca.
About Auxita
Auxita is a secure digital platform that seamlessly integrates with Electronic Medical Records to link patient data and clinical information across multiple systems. It connects doctors, patients, and patient support programs while eliminating the administrative tasks that can overwhelm today's healthcare providers. Auxita has an established footprint in Canada's healthcare sector and collaborates with strategic partners to ensure a consistent and secure flow of information throughout the patient journey. For more information on Auxita's next-generation medical technology that leads to better care, visit www.auxita.com.
SOURCE MCKESSON CANADA
For further information: Andrew Forgione, Media Relations and Public Affairs, Andrew.Forgione@mckesson.ca, 905.671.4586
- Publication Date
- 21-06-16