“Being a community pharmacist is very rewarding,” says Jonathan Broderick, owner of Pharmasave Montague. “You have highly specialized skills that help people lead healthier lives, and you’re able to become friends with your patients. They’re not just customers. They’re friends and neighbours.” Pharmasave is a national network of over 650 community- based pharmacies that are member-owned and member- governed. Currently, there are three Pharmasaves in PEI: one in Montague; one in Souris, owned by Karen Creighan; and one in Cornwall, owned by Wally Kowalchuk. Pharmasave combines the advantages of a big retailer — support, wholesale pricing, Air Miles, a great brand assortment — with the flexibility individual outlets need to blossom and adapt to community needs. “I don’t have to talk through several layers of management to carry a product or provide a service,” says Broderick. “I became a Pharmasave owner because I’m passionate about the health of our community members. Having control over my business makes that easier.”
When Broderick wanted to revamp his home health care department, he had an employee trained in compression stocking measurement, mastectomy bras, and fittings for specialized knee braces and lift chairs. “It wouldn’t have been possible with a huge chain,” Broderick notes. Pharmasave’s staff pharmacists also provide immunizations and minor ailment prescribing, the same as big retailers. To better cater to their customers, the Pharmasave in Souris chose to use the PACMED system, a packaging solution that allows medications to be distributed in unit doses, ideal for seniors and long-term care facilities. “We’re the only pharmacy east of Charlottetown that offers that,” says Creighan. “I love the ability to adapt to the community in terms of hours and products. All of Creighan’s team of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants are from Kings County. For Kowalchuk, who’s spent 27 years working in pharmacies large and small, being part of the neighbourhood is the main perk of his current job. “You get to know people, help people, and feel
that you do make a difference,” says Kowalchuk. “When we do deliveries, it’s often my wife or me! We buy local and support local.” In the summer, his pharmacy often gets questions about sun protection, mosquitos, ticks, vitamin supplements and hydration. “We have two girls that play soccer,” Kowalchuk adds. “So, we know about the need for bracing! We carry a wide assortment of athletic braces and wraps.” When it comes to staying healthy, Broderick’s philosophy is simple: people need to take ownership
of their health. “Physicians, pharmacists, dieticians, and
physiotherapists can all provide knowledge,” he says. “But it only works if people take control. It can be as easy as knowing how to pronounce their medication’s name or knowing what’s a good glucose blood reading. And we can help with that.” The three pharmacy owners agree that their goal is to create a sense of community on top of keeping customers happy and healthy. Pharmasave is all about better, more personalized service. “We treat you like neighbours, because you are!” Says Kowalchuk.
Pharmasave Montague | 521 Main Street, Montague | 902.838.2561 Pharmasave Cornwall | 25 Meadowbank Road, Cornwall | 902.629.6870 Pharmasave Souris | 175 Main Street, Souris | 902.687.4104
SUMMER 2019 www.pei-living.ca
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