CPhA Statement to Pharmacists re: Marketplace

In December 2014 CPhA learned that CBC’s Marketplace was planning a story on community pharmacy. CPhA immediately reached out to Marketplace to seek an interview to ensure the profession was represented. This decision was made knowing that there was high likelihood the story would be negative, but it was based on our belief that we had to speak for the dedicated pharmacists on the frontlines who provide excellent care for Canadians every day.

CPhA Chair Jane Farnham participated in a lengthy interview with Marketplace, during which she reiterated our main messages:

• Pharmacists are highly respected professionals in Canada.
• Pharmacists care deeply about the health of Canadians and value the trust patients have placed in them.
• Pharmacists provide safe and reliable services, using their knowledge, skills and judgment to make decisions that enhance the health outcomes of patients, helping Canadians live healthier and longer lives.
• As the health care sector evolves, pharmacists are leading efforts to expand safeguards to protect consumers.
• Any patients with a specific concern about the care they have received should notify their provincial regulator.

Many of our Chair’s comments were not aired, including:

Our Association is very active, leading the charge in terms of developing high quality programs and tools for pharmacists, so we help support them with their lifelong work, needs, and education. {We will work} with other organizations to ensure all the pieces are in place for them to be able to practice confidently.

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I’m very confident in the system; the Canadian system is known for its high quality internationally. I’ve worked within the system, been a consumer of the system. I’m extremely confident in my fellow pharmacists and their ability to deliver quality, consistent, safe, reliable pharmacists’ services.

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I would say we have very high standards of practice and mechanisms in place. If a consumer or patient is concerned that the pharmacy is not providing the service they have come to expect then they should first address it with the pharmacist or the owner of the pharmacy. If they feel they are not being heard or getting the level of satisfaction they are looking for, we do have regulatory bodies who have systems and processes in place to address all these issues and concerns.

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Our industry is evolving and as we are evolving we are working very hard to ensure the appropriate safe guards are in place and will continue to do so.

It’s difficult not to be alarmed or disappointed by the negative image of pharmacy that the program portrayed. At the same time, we recognize that as a profession we need to address the issues identified, develop positions and take action to build a stronger pharmacy profession committed to patient-centred care.

Every day, you, as a frontline pharmacist, face real issues and challenges in practice that need to be addressed by strong leadership. CPhA is committed to providing that leadership. In collaboration with our member organizations, CPhA will be consulting broadly with the pharmacy community to ensure your voice is fully heard and represented.

We will continue our efforts to ensure that our positive messages, positions and vision for the profession are heard by all Canadians. CPhA is planning a proactive media campaign to show our commitment to the patients that we serve. For more than a decade, Canadians have ranked pharmacists in the top three professions in terms of high integrity and ethical standards. We value the trust Canadians have placed in us and we will continue to show leadership as the profession evolves.  

As always, we value your feedback as a frontline health care provider. We look forward to your continued input and advice as CPhA and our members lead the development of the future of pharmacy in Canada.