Loblaw Companies Ltd. is expanding its pharmacist-led health clinics in Alberta, following the success of the first clinic it opened in Lethbridge in June 2022.

The company plans to open four clinics in the coming weeks. 

The clinics will be located in traditionally underserviced areas of the province - Fort Saskatchewan, Brooks, Red Deer and Edson - and will offer a range of healthcare services to patients, including assessment and treatment of common ailments and injuries. 

"Initial results from the Lethbridge clinic have far exceeded our expectations, with an average of more than 40 patient visits each day. There is an obvious need for these services," said Jeff Leger, president of Shoppers Drug Mart. "That's why we're opening four additional locations in Alberta, a province that truly recognizes the important role pharmacists play in the public healthcare system."

Through their expanded scope of practice, pharmacists in Alberta can assess patients and prescribe medications for minor illnesses and injuries, administer vaccines and other medications by injection, support chronic disease management and order and receive lab results. 

"The issues plaguing the Canadian healthcare system are complex and require innovation and collaboration. We believe pharmacists can play a vital role in a collective solution," adds Leger. "Optimizing the role of the pharmacist unlocks the potential of tens of thousands of highly trained healthcare professionals across the country. And by making certain services available from a pharmacist or in a pharmacist clinic setting, we can help address some of the gaps that have emerged in primary healthcare systems, providing patients with more options and ultimately better outcomes."

The clinics are part of the company's national network of healthcare professionals and infrastructure, offering a range of in-store and virtual health services to millions of Canadians each week.