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Press Releases

Stay Informed with Our Latest Healthcare Updates and Announcements

Press Releases

Stay Informed with Our Latest Healthcare Updates and Announcements

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McKesson Canada Opens New State-of-the Art Distribution Centre in Surrey British Columbia

Supporting British Columbia’s Future Health

Surrey, BC (June 8, 2023) – To support British Columbia’s rising healthcare needs, McKesson Canada opens a new state-of-the-art, 233,000 square-foot facility in Surrey, British Columbia (BC). The new distribution centre (DC) delivers pharmaceutical medications, vaccines, specialty pharmaceuticals, and over-the-counter products to over 1,300 hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across BC. McKesson Specialty Pharmacy on site manages complex specialty medications, providing quality care for patients across the province.

 

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- New 233,000 square-foot facility ensures expanded capacity to support provincial medication delivery needs long-term and strengthens medication delivery infrastructure

- McKesson Canada’s new distribution centre features industry-leading automation to accelerate fulfillment and increase efficiency and productivity

- Integration of on-site Specialty Pharmacy campus ensures support in rise of complex therapies

As part of McKesson Canada’s distribution modernization plan, $175 million dollars was invested in the development and design of the Surrey DC to integrate industry-leading automation technology and strengthen efficiency and productivity. The DC uses best-in-class technology and processes to increase accuracy, protect against volume fluctuations and doubles potential capacity to over 235,000 units shipped daily. This investment ensures McKesson Canada can meet Canada’s rising need for complex specialized medications and respond to BC’s future healthcare demands, particularly the expected 63 per cent[i] rise in seniors over the next 20 years, who typically have more complex conditions.

“Today, we are showcasing our unwavering dedication to improve health outcomes of Canadians. From strategic concept to operations, McKesson Canada’s Surrey distribution centre is a showcase of innovation that blends the state-of-the-art technology and optimized processes that secure our capacity to support the growing healthcare needs of British Columbians for the long term,” said Joan Eliasek, President, McKesson Canada. “We take great pride in our investment in British Columbia and in our responsibility to deliver lifesaving medications reliably and safely across the province for many years to come.”

 

State-of-the-Art Technology, Processes and Automation

State-of-the-art automation technology enables more efficient and accurate product picking. The new DC utilizes a system that picks products from over 22,000 storage containers, delivering them directly to the operators who ensure quality and accuracy. The automation process allows for vast quantities of product to flow through the distribution system, with real-time monitoring and forecasting of required product volume levels. Picked products are released and sequenced according to delivery route, all through automation to ensure the right product gets to the right destination for precise just-in-time delivery.

Significant investment has also been made in cold chain storage to support Canada’s rising need for more complex medications that require fridge and freezer storage, such as COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Surrey DC is the last of McKesson Canada’s transformation and modernization initiatives in Western Canada, including building new Edmonton and Winnipeg DCs. Reaching this milestone means that McKesson Canada is prepared to support and react quickly in times of environmental crisis or emergencies like wildfires or flooding. Each McKesson Canada DC in Western Canada has contingency planning to be able to support provinces in the event of a disruption or crisis.

 

Bedrock of Community and Independent Pharmacy

Just-in-time delivery is a hallmark of the McKesson Canada distribution system, creating an infrastructure that allows for continual flow of goods into the community and reliable access to medication. McKesson Canada’s distribution system has been a key enabler for independent pharmacy. The modernization of the Surrey DC processes, tools and equipment support operational excellence and enhances our customer offering.

“The complexity of just-in-time delivery within an ecosystem that delivers much needed medication to every community in Canada, the next day, every day is extraordinary,” says Jean-Philippe Blouin, Senior Vice-President Pharmaceutical Distribution & Operations, McKesson Canada. “The value and enhanced features of our new Surrey distribution centre ensures that we provide reliable service and further demonstrates our commitment to our patients and our customers in BC.”

 

The Rise of Specialized Medication Needs

The use of specialty medications and therapeutic treatments for both acute and chronic care patients continues to rise in Canada. In 2021, specialty drugs had a 9.5 per cent growth rate compared to traditional drugs at 2.9 per cent.[ii] The innovative McKesson Specialty Pharmacy provides care to patients from a wide range of therapeutic specialties such as neurology, oncology, immunology and ophthalmology. Molecules are compounded on site in state-of-the-art cleanrooms where hazardous and non-hazardous medications are handled in sterile environments. The integration of the McKesson Specialty Pharmacy in the Surrey DC allows for more efficient access and delivery to patient’s homes, hospitals, and infusion clinics.

 

Environmental Focus

Situated on 14 acres of land, the new DC office space was designed with consideration for environmental sustainability.  The new DC features LED low energy lighting, low flow water fixtures, underground rainwater collection, native landscaping to support local birds and insects and electric vehicle charging stations.

The Surrey DC employs 180 people and supports additional jobs in partner businesses including transportation.

 

About McKesson Canada

McKesson Canada is a diversified healthcare services leader dedicated to advancing health outcomes for patients everywhere. Our teams partner with pharmaceutical 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: media@mckesson.ca  


[i] Ip, Frank and Lavoie, Sebastien. ”PEOPLE 2020: BC Sub-Provincial Population Projections.” Government of British Columbia, BC Stats.,https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/data/statistics/people-population-community/population/people_population_projections_highlights.pdf

[ii]“2022 Drug Data Trends & National Benchmarks.” TELUS Health. Pg. 12, https://plus.telushealth.co/blogs/health-benefits/wp-content/uploads/TELUS-Health-Drug-Data-Trends-Report-2022.pdf 

Publish Date
6/8/23

McKesson Canada’s INVIVA Sets New Standard of Excellence for Oncology in Community Infusion Clinics

Mississauga, ON (March 9, 2023) – McKesson Canada’s INVIVA has met Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum Accreditation Program requirements to become the first and only accredited national private infusion clinic network in oncology. The Cancer Care Accreditation puts INVIVA through the same accreditation process widely used by hospitals who turn to Accreditation Canada to monitor system-wide standards of excellence in quality, safety, and care.

“Accreditation is a continuous process of meeting standards of quality. INVIVA’s successful accreditation sends a clear signal to their staff, patients, and other health care providers of their commitment to quality,” says Pamela Daw, Accreditation Canada. “This external recognition of their competence elevates their profile and strengthens confidence in their services.”

In total six accreditations were awarded to INVIVA: Cancer Care, Home Care Services, Ambulatory Care Services, Medication Management, Infection Prevention and Control, and Leadership Standards. The rigorous evaluation process included over 700 standards of measurement in the areas of safety practices, external peer surveys from medical and healthcare teams, patient satisfaction ratings, and consistent adherence to high quality clinical processes.

INVIVA patients are supported by a robust network of over 300 Registered Nurses across 76 clinics, with extensive experience in administering specialty and biologic drugs intravenously, subcutaneously, and intramuscularly with specialized training in multiple therapeutic areas, including immunology, oncology, and neurology. A team of clinicians, patient care coordinators and facility employees round out the INVIVA care team. To date, there are approximately 18 oncology medications within the INVIVA network, with capability to expand the treatment portfolio to further support complex oncology treatments.

"Providing Canadian patients with convenient, quality and accessible care, closer to home is at the forefront for our INVIVA team,” says Lee Steele, Vice President, INVIVA & Chief Nursing Officer. “This new oncology distinction validates our commitment to patient care in one of the most complex therapeutic areas. Accreditation provides assurances to our patients that our standards are on par with the medical care they receive in a hospital setting.”

As a McKesson Canada Company, INVIVA is part of the care network that is dedicated to helping a patient navigate an often overwhelming and complex system. From diagnosis to patient support programs, and state-of-the-art specialty medication distribution, the integrated processes at McKesson work to ensure a seamless end-to-end patient experience that seeks to remove barriers to timely and convenient access to care.

“The reality of healthcare today is that specialized drug treatments and biologicals are more prevalent as the best course of treatment for patients living with a complex condition. This is good news for patients who can benefit from more personalized treatment and medication plans which can ultimately improve their quality of life,” said Ramy Ayad, Senior Vice-President, Biopharma and Provider Solutions, McKesson Canada.  “Accreditation Canada’s designation for INVIVA speaks to our mission to be a leader in infusion therapy, particularly in areas as complex as oncology. Congratulations to the nurses and team at INVIVA on this important accreditation driven by your hard work, and feedback from our patients and medical peers!”

McKesson Canada's INVIVA clinics successfully completed the Qmentum Accreditation Program and received full accreditation at all locations across Canada now through December 2026.

 

About INVIVA

Established in 2013, today INVIVA is Canada's largest private infusion network with 76 INVIVA clinics that provide patients with specialized therapy in a caring and compassionate setting. INVIVA experts work directly with manufacturers to bring specialty therapies and nursing services to patients in need while improving access. They engage with health care providers to improve the patient experience and make it easier for everyone to manage complex diseases. Its team of highly trained seasoned nurses help manage various therapeutic areas, including gastroenterology, rheumatology, geriatrics, pediatrics, and more. In 2023, INVIVA was awarded accreditations in Cancer Care, Ambulatory Care, Home Care Services, Leadership, Infection Prevention and Control, and Medication Management making it the only national private infusion network with accreditation.

 

About McKesson Canada

McKesson Canada is a diversified healthcare services leader dedicated to advancing health outcomes for patients everywhere. Our teams partner with pharmaceutical 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

 

About Accreditation Canada

Accreditation Canada is a not-for-profit organization that works with patients, policy makers and the public to improve the quality of health and social services for all. Accreditation Canada works closely with health and social services organizations in Canada and abroad to develop a sustainable culture of improvement that betters safety and efficiency, working to save and improve lives. More than 1,000 health and social service organizations and 7,000 sites in Canada and around the world have been accredited through our programs and services, leading to safer, quality health care for those who matter most; patients and their families.

 

For more information:

Andrew Campbell
Media Relations
media@mckesson.ca

 

Publish Date
3/9/23

McKesson Canada Ranked One of Montreal's Top Employers for the Sixth Consecutive Year

MISSISSAUGA, ON, February 2023 – McKesson Canada is proud to announce today that it has been recognized as one of "Montreal's Top Employers" for 2023 by the editors of Mediacorp Canada Inc. marking the sixth consecutive year that the company has received this award.

“We are proud that McKesson has been recognized as a top employer in Montreal for the sixth year in a row, where we play an important role in this dynamic city. People join McKesson Canada because they want to contribute to our mission to advance the health outcomes of all Canadians. Employees stay because of our values and a deep sense of belonging, built through an unwavering commitment to our purpose and to the customer. Congratulations to Team McKesson for this extraordinary achievement and thank you for making our company a great place to work!” said Joan Eliasek, President of McKesson Canada.

McKesson Canada has introduced a number of new and innovative tools over the years to help employees develop their career, grow the company, and feel empowered to contribute. Some of those include:

Professional development

  • At McKesson, we believe in our competency “Grow Self and Others”. Engrained in the company culture is a commitment to development and professional growth supported by tools and resources such as employee training programs, people leader training focused on team development, succession planning, educational assistance, a comprehensive learning portal and learning on the job to name a few. 

Engagement

  • Inclusion and diversity networks open to all McKesson Canada employees as we continue to build a workplace where each of us can bring our whole self to work and where our diversity of backgrounds and experience is valued.
  • McKesson Café, our online networking platform where employees can meet new people from across the organization.
  • Workplace flexibility that promotes balance is key to McKesson Canada’s success as a top employer facilitated by our current Office as a Destination model.

Charitable giving

  • McKesson Canada employees can take advantage of charitable donation matching and volunteering grants available to eligible charities.

Health and wellness options

  • Generous health benefits, including the virtual medicine service, EQ Care.
  • Employee and family assistance program, for free counselling, nutritional, legal, and financial advice.
  • A mental health coach, who supports employees to navigate challenging situations.

 

In addition to the "Montreal's Top Employers" 2023 award, McKesson Canada was awarded the Women in Governance Parity Certification which recognizes organizations that are leading the way in achieving gender parity both in 2021 and in 2022.

 

Top Montreal Employer Award

First published in 2006, Montréal's Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes the employers in Greater Montréal that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Employers are evaluated by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers using the same eight criteria as the national competition: (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. Any employer with its head office or principal place of business in Greater Montreal may apply for this competition. Employers of any size may apply, whether private or public sector.

 

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@mckesson.ca

Publish Date
3/8/23

Joan Eliasek Named New President of McKesson Canada

Mississauga, ON - Feb 9, 2023 - McKesson Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of veteran executive Joan Eliasek as President of McKesson Canada. Eliasek succeeds Rebecca McKillican who has led the company since August 2020.

Eliasek’s wealth of leadership experience spans over 25 years within the healthcare sector and McKesson Corporation, having held senior leadership roles in areas ranging from operations, marketing, supplier management to extended care sales and customer experience.

As President, Eliasek leads McKesson's diversified portfolio of healthcare businesses in Canada including pharmaceutical distribution operations, biopharma and provider solutions, McKesson's network of independent pharmacies (I.D.A., Guardian, Remedy'sRx, The Medicine Shoppe, Uniprix and Proxim), e-commerce retailer Well.ca, and the Rexall Pharmacy Group.

“I am honoured to be leading a passionate team dedicated to improving the health outcomes of Canadians,” Eliasek said.  “McKesson Canada is an essential part of the Canadian healthcare system, whether we are delivering much needed medications to patients across the country, strengthening our supply chain systems, or helping patients navigate specialized medication therapies. As healthcare becomes increasingly more complex, our position within the healthcare ecosystem offers us a unique opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact.”

Eliasek holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Business Administration from the University of Iowa. She has served on several boards in the healthcare industry, including the Healthcare Industry Distributors Association (HIDA), the HIDA Educational Foundation and the Global Healthcare Exchange. She also served as a long-time advisor to the Professional Women in Healthcare (PWH) board. In 2018, she was recognized as the first recipient of the Anne Eiting Klamar Leadership Award of Distinction and in 2023 she is being named to the Medical Distributor Hall of Fame by Repertoire Magazine.

 

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.

Publish Date
2/9/23

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
White Papers
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Rare Disease Drugs in Canada: Considerations for Equitable Access

A significant public policy priority for the Government of Canada is ensuring comprehensive, timely, and equitable access to medication for rare diseases; as such, the Government of Canada has allocated $500 million annually to a national strategy for rare disease drugs. McKesson Canada is proud to contribute to this conversation, drawing on experience with patient support programs, pharmaceutical distribution, and specialty pharmacy services. 

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The $100 Solution: A PostPandemic Path Forward for National Pharmacare in Canada

The Government of Canada would like to develop a solution to ensure universal drug coverage for Canadians. This solution would mean all Canadians would have access to a comprehensive, affordable drug insurance plan regardless of their province of residence or financial situation. Where the coverage comes from is an important consideration, but what ultimately matters is that all Canadians can acquire the medicine they need regardless of their particular financial, geographic or health circumstances. 

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From Pandemic to Endemic: Lessons from COVID-19 on Improving Vaccination Campaigns in Canada

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, it became clear that any return to 'normal' would only be possible once the majority of Canadians received vaccines. At the time, a COVID-19 vaccine existed only in the designs of biomedical scientists, and most did not anticipate a mass-market vaccine arriving for at least 18 months. In addition to developing the vaccine, the pharmaceutical sector had to conquer the challenge of manufacturing, transporting, storing, and administering billions of doses.