Saskatchewan pharmacies expand access to strep, ear infection care

A change coming to many pharmacies across Saskatchewan will be news patients suffering from ear infections will be happy to hear, and it may give those with strep throat something to shout about.

According to the provincial government, more than 100 pharmacies in the province will soon have pharmacists trained to assess symptoms and determine treatment, including prescribing medicine for strep throat and ear infections. The expanded services will be available in 34 communities across Saskatchewan by January, the province said, with 71 pharmacies offering both strep throat and ear services and a further 31 offering ear services only.

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The program is part of the province’s Patients First Health Care Plan, which is designed to “address the challenges facing health care and improve health care access and outcomes for all Saskatchewan people.”

“The strong response to the Strep Throat and Ear Infection Program is encouraging. Through this expansion, pharmacists will play a significant role in enhancing access to quality care for patients as close to home as possible,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said in a statement.

Training for the pharmacists enrolled in the program began in August, and will continue in the coming months for those who are new to the program.

“This program is a great example of what we can achieve when pharmacists, the health system and regulatory partners work together toward a shared goal,” said Lindsay Mildenberger, president of the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals.

“By expanding access to assessment and treatment through community pharmacies, we are strengthening the role of pharmacists in patient care and helping Saskatchewan patients access care when and where they need it.”

A full list of the participating pharmacies can be found on the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals website.