Pharmacy Brands Canada has launched its new pharmacist-led clinic model in the Edmonton area.

The model is operating in conjunction with a pharmacy in Sherwood Park, Alta., a bedroom community in the Alberta capital region. The province allows pharmacists to write certain prescriptions while referring patients to doctors for more serious matters.

The new clinic model is designed to enhance patient care, enable pharmacists to work to their full scope of practice, and streamline workflow, said Pharmacy Brands in a news release.

“We strongly feel that pharmacists can play a major role in filling the existing gap in primary care,” said Jon Johnson, the company’s president and CEO. “Our pharmacy clinic model provides an innovative and modern model that supports pharmacists to offer additional health services to their communities.  We look forward to introducing this model to more communities, enhancing access to primary care for Canadians nationwide.”

The launch comes after Shoppers Drug Mart opened a new pharmacy care clinic in Edmonton’s Pilout Sound neighbourhood in early November.

Pharmacy Brands bills itself as Canada’s fastest-growing pharmacy banner program. The company has about 180 locations across Canada, serving independent pharmacists.

Pharmacy Brands intends to expand is clinic-led model into Ontario in early 2024.