Impact of Pharmacists on Minor Ailment Care in Ontario

Pharmacists in Ontario are making a measurable difference in managing minor ailments like UTIs, allergic rhinitis, cold sores, pink eye, and more—reducing ER visits, shortening wait times, and improving access to timely treatment. Studies of pharmacist-led minor ailment programs show:

• 95% of patients would return to a pharmacist for similar care.
• 81% of patients report significant symptom relief.
• A 30% reduction in family doctor and ER visits following pharmacist intervention.
  (Source: Canadian minor ailments pilot program, PMC)

At Centrum Pharmacy, we match—and often exceed—these national standards every single day.

Not All Pharmacies Are Equal: Why Setting Matters

Every pharmacist is fully qualified to provide care for Minor Ailments, Professionally and Competently, no mater where they work in Ontario and cares deeply about patient health. But the practice setting dramatically impacts what that pharmacist can do for you.

In many large chain and corporate pharmacies, pharmacists face:

• Workplace quotas for minor ailment consults and clinical services,
• Understaffing and burnout, limiting their ability to give patients adequate time,
• Corporate performance metrics that prioritize volume over value.

Studies show:

• Nearly 70% of pharmacists report being pressured to meet business targets.
• 80% are at risk of burnout, especially in high-volume corporate environments.
  (Source: Pharmacy Connection, PMC)

This means that even well-intentioned pharmacists may be forced to rush your consultation—limiting their ability to ask the right questions, spot red flags, or provide full-spectrum support.

Centrum Pharmacy’s Model: Care Without Compromise

At Centrum Pharmacy, we’re independent and locally owned. That means:

• No corporate quotas
• No productivity pressure
• No shortcuts on care

We give each patient the time and attention they deserve. Our pharmacists are trained to:

• Conduct full clinical assessments of minor ailments
• Identify red flags that signal when a doctor’s referral is necessary
• Make timely, safe treatment decisions—or escalate care when needed

We never say, “go see your doctor” and send you on your way without support. Instead, we walk you through your options—and ensure that you’re seen, treated, and followed up.

What Happens When You Need a Doctor? Centrum Has the Answer

We don’t stop at the pharmacy counter. When a pharmacist consult reveals the need for physician follow-up, we don’t leave you hanging—especially in a system where 1 in 5 Canadians has no family doctor.

Here’s what we offer:

1. Help You Book with Your Own Doctor

If you have a physician, we’ll help you determine how soon you need to be seen and guide you in scheduling.

2. In-House Walk-In Clinic (Fridays & Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM)

No doctor? Come right here. Our on-site walk-in clinic is staffed by physicians and operates right within Centrum Pharmacy. No appointment needed.

3. Same-Day Virtual Clinic Access

Need help fast? We offer same-day video or phone consults with Ontario-licensed doctors, six days a week, through our Virtual Walk-In Clinic.

4. We Help You Get a Family Doctor

Here’s where we go far beyond any other pharmacy:

Helping You Find a Family Doctor: Centrum Pharmacy’s Unmatched Legacy

At Centrum Pharmacy, we don’t just refer patients to a doctor—we get them one.

In a healthcare system plagued by physician shortages and waitlists, we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure that nearly every patient that is a regular patient of Centrum Pharmacy without a family doctor, gets one within a few months directly due to our advocacy efforts.

We’ve Recruited 12 Doctors to Orleans

Over the last 15 years, Centrum Pharmacy has directly recruited and sponsored 12 family physicians to practice in the Orleans area. These are not distant partnerships—they are doctors we brought here, many of whom:

• See patients in the Orleans Family Health Clinic (right inside our building),
• Open their rosters regularly and periodically and accept our patients,
• Work collaboratively with our pharmacists to provide connected, coordinated care.

🔹 We Personally Help You Get Rostered

Our team:

• Tracks which physicians are accepting new patients,
• Advocates on your behalf during new roster openings,
• Follows up until you’re fully registered.

Thanks to these efforts:

• Thousands of Orleans residents now have a family doctor because of Centrum Pharmacy,
• Almost all of our patients are fully rostered, even those who arrived without one,
• Our patients enjoy continuity of care that no walk-in or ER can match.

No other pharmacy in Ontario—corporate or independent—can claim this level of impact.

Why This Matters: System-Building, Not Just Service

This isn’t just about helping individuals. It’s about solving a system-wide problem:

• Ontario’s family doctor shortage is growing,
• Patients without physicians face delays, misdiagnoses, and fragmented care,
• The burden on emergency departments continues to rise.

Centrum Pharmacy is helping to solve this problem locally, by not just serving patients—but building healthcare infrastructure from the ground up.

The 4 C’s of Centrum Care: Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, Connected

Everything we do at Centrum Pharmacy is grounded in our 4 C’s philosophy:

Complete Care

From diagnosis and prescribing to vaccination, lab interpretation, and physician referrals—we manage the entire spectrum of minor ailment care in one place.

Comprehensive Care

We care for patients across all ages and stages—whether it’s a travel vaccine, chronic disease management, pediatric illness, or acute minor ailments.

Caring Care

Our pharmacists aren’t rushing to meet corporate quotas. They take time to listen, educate, and treat with compassion and professionalism.

Connected Care

Our care never ends at the pharmacy counter. We make sure you’re linked to a walk-in doctor, a virtual visit, or even rostered with a family physician for long-term continuity.

Centrum Pharmacy: The Healthcare Partner You Deserve

If you’re looking for a pharmacy that treats you like a person—not a transaction—Centrum Pharmacy is the clear choice.

We are:

• A hub for safe, expert minor ailment prescribing
• A gateway to walk-in and virtual physician care
• A rare success story in physician recruitment
• The only pharmacy in Ontario that can say:
  “Almost all our patients now have a family doctor—because of us.”

📍 Experience the Centrum Difference

Visit us online: https://centrumpharmacy.com
Or visit us in person at Place Centrum Plaza, Orleans.

Centrum Pharmacy. Complete. Comprehensive. Caring. Connected.

Come for the Convenience, Stay for the Service.
Caring for Your Family Since 1999

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.