Vacations put extra strain on pharmacist shortage
12.08.2008 16:00
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
A drop in new pharmacy graduates has exacerbated a shortage of professionals staffing pharmacies across Newfoundland and Labrador, with some forced to close during normal operating hours to accommodate vacation requests. "Most of us are working extra hours all the time," said Rod Forsey, president of the Pharmacists' Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. "This summer, with the number of vacations that have to be covered and the shortage of pharmacists, a lot of pharmacies are reducing their hours during slower periods, like on weekends, just to get by, basically," Forsey told CBC News Monday. For instance, a Lawtons pharmacy in the Kelligrews neighbourhood of Conception Bay South closed early Saturday afternoon to accommodate vacation schedules. Forsey said there had already been a shortage of pharmacists in the province before Memorial University changed its program to bring it line with similar programs elsewhere in Canada. That change meant that the number of new graduates has dropped from 40 per year to 20 per year, for a two-year period that has just concluded. "This summer, particularly, has been quite difficult," said Forsey, adding that at least next year more new graduates should be on the job market. Forsey said regular hours should return as pharmacists complete their summer vacations. Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksPharmacist incentives matched in N.L. hospitals'Silent exodus' will greet rejection of pay demands: pharmacistsAudio St. John's Morning Show host Jeff Gilhooly interviews Rod Forsey (Runs: 5:13) Play: Real Media »External LinksPharmacists' Association of Newfoundland and Labrador(Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window) Health HeadlinesEye care gap found between Americans, CanadiansAmericans with vision problems who lack health insurance receive less care than Canadians or those Americans with insurance, according to doctors who suggest focusing on those at greatest risk of losing their sight.Does running slow the aging clock? Running reduces the risk not only of heart disease, but of cancer and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, study suggests.Heartburn drugs boost hip-fracture risk over long term: studyPopular heartburn medications should only be taken when necessary, say Canadian doctors who found the drugs nearly doubled the risk of suffering a disabling broken hip when taken for seven years or more.Cut drug costs with razors: UBC researcherResearchers at the University of B.C. are recommending more people consider a novel way to cut drug costs — by using a razor blade to cut up their pills.Hip, knee patients choose own surgeon over shorter wait timesMost people waiting for hip or knee surgery are unlikely to consider switching to a surgeon who is equally qualified to shorten their wait, a Canadian study has found. Health FeaturesFOOD SAFETYInfrared heatA new wavelength for food securityAIDS RESEARCHLife expectancyBig jump in survival rates for those on HIV drugsIN DEPTHLyme diseaseTiny tick, big problemANOTHER VIEWDrugs and drivingNew law a 'positive step', analyst saysHEALTH & FITNESSPeter HadzipetrosRunning from wrinklesHEALTHTrans fatsPeople who read this also read …
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