Shoppers Drug Mart Launches Seven New Pharmacy Care Clinics in Surrey

Seven new pharmacy care clinics officially opened in Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Surrey, British Columbia, on September 12, 2023. This expansion allows residents to access primary care services at eight different sites, including an earlier opening in Newton back in March. The initiative is designed to enhance healthcare accessibility in a rapidly growing community.

During a press conference held at the Shoppers Evergreen Mall, David Markwell, President of Shoppers Drug Mart, emphasized the significance of these clinics. He stated, “This significant milestone will provide the community with expanded access to primary care services at a time of rapid growth, ahead of the company’s original schedule.”

Starting this year, pharmacists in British Columbia have been authorized to prescribe contraceptives and provide treatment for 21 minor ailments, including conditions like acne, pink eye, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Patient-Centric Design and Extended Access

The new clinics are equipped with dedicated examination rooms, allowing pharmacists to deliver high-quality care in private settings. Markwell highlighted that this setup ensures pharmacists can assess each patient’s needs thoroughly and provide tailored services with extended hours of operation. At the Evergreen Mall location, for instance, the clinic will operate from 10:00 to 18:00, while the retail store remains open 24 hours a day, with a pharmacist available at all times.

Jora Lidder, associate owner and pharmacist at the Evergreen Mall location, expressed enthusiasm about the clinics’ potential impact. “I’m proud to be a part of this milestone for our city and province,” he remarked. “Pharmacists always want to do our part to help Canadians live life well… these clinics are a step in the right direction to ease the burden and increase access to care for all Canadians.”

Lidder added that the clinics aim to alleviate pressures on the healthcare system by allowing patients to receive care for minor ailments directly at their local pharmacy. He shared a recent experience where a patient turned away from a local clinic due to capacity constraints sought assistance at the pharmacy instead. “We gladly took her in, diagnosed her, prescribed her medications, and she was out the door,” he recounted, illustrating the convenience and effectiveness of the new service.

Community Support and Future Prospects

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke expressed her excitement about the clinics, particularly as one is located in her longtime neighborhood. “As Surrey continues to grow, access to health care is more important than ever,” she stated. Locke acknowledged that these clinics would improve healthcare accessibility while alleviating pressures on emergency rooms and family doctors.

Local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jagrup Brar also praised the initiative, noting that it enhances access to timely, community-based healthcare. “It’s encouraging to see partnerships like this bringing innovative services closer to home,” he said.

The seven new Pharmacy Care Clinics are strategically located throughout Surrey, with the eighth clinic situated at the Shoppers Drug Mart at 7322 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC V3W 5A5. These clinics are accessible to patients with a British Columbia Service Card, marking a significant expansion in local healthcare services.

As Shoppers Drug Mart continues to innovate in healthcare delivery, the introduction of these clinics may represent a pivotal step in addressing the healthcare needs of Canadians, particularly in areas facing increasing demand. For more information, visit shoppersdrugmart.ca.