January 19, 2023 (Halifax) – As the provincial pharmacy regulator, the Nova Scotia
College of Pharmacists (NSCP) participated in the summit with Premier Houston and
Health Minister Michelle Thompson to propose solutions to Nova Scotia’s healthcare
crisis.
“Nova Scotians need all health professions working collaboratively towards a shared
vision of a transformed healthcare system where patients receive the right care from
the right provider at the right time,” said Beverley Zwicker, NSCP CEO and Registrar.
“I was encouraged to hear Premier Houston and Health Minister Thompson
emphasize their openness for innovative healthcare delivery and to removing barriers
at the government level,” said Zwicker. “The NSCP has been actively working over the
last several years to ensure the regulatory framework enables pharmacists to make
full use of their knowledge and skills to meet the population’s health needs, but this
cannot happen without fundamental changes in how healthcare is delivered.”
Pharmacists working in Nova Scotia have one of the broadest scopes of practice in
Canada. “We know that pharmacists being better positioned to address primary care
needs related to medication will improve the health of Nova Scotians. Making full use
of pharmacists in this way will also help alleviate unnecessary strain on our EDs and
improve access to care.”
Nova Scotians can rest assured that the evolving pharmacy care they are able to
receive in their communities is safe. “This is care that the NSCP has enabled because
it is appropriate and, in the public’s best interest. Many pharmacists have already
been providing this type of care over the past several years and now we are scaling
up,” Zwicker added.
“These are extremely challenging times for our province, but I left the summit feeling
encouraged. I believe that as all healthcare partners work together real change can
and will be realized,” said Zwicker.
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For more information, contact:
Leanne Lagsiar, B.A., B.PR.
Communications Manager
902.223.1252
llagsiar@nspharmacists.ca