Minor Ailment assessment at the Carling Campus Pharmacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Minor Ailment assessment at the Carling Campus Pharmacy?

It is a consultation with a Carling Campus Pharmacy pharmacist to assess, diagnose and treat common, acute, minor medical conditions that do not require lab tests. During the assessment the pharmacist will ask a series of questions ranging from allergies and current medications to the history, symptoms and previous treatment attempts related to the ailment. Certain situations fall outside a pharmacist’s Scope of Practice and cannot be assessed. The questions asked during the Minor Ailment assessment will ensure that it is within the pharmacists SOP, that an accurate evaluation is completed, and the most appropriate treatment options are provided. These may include lifestyle recommendations, over-the-counter products, or prescription medications.

What are the Minor Ailments that can be assessed?

• Acid Reflux
• Acne
• Allergic Rhinitis/ Hay Fever
• Canker Sores/ Mouth Ulcers
• Cold Sores
• Dermatitis
• Dysmenorrhea
• Hemorrhoids
• Insect Bites and Hives
• Minor Joint and Muscle Pain
• Oral thrush
• Smoking Cessation
• Tick Bite
• Urinary Tract Infection (Female)
• Vaginal Yeast Infection

What training do the Carling Pharmacy pharmacists have to assess Minor Ailments?

All pharmacists licensed with the Ontario College of Pharmacists had to complete a college-certified Minor Ailment course when the province of Ontario launched the Pharmacist Minor Ailments initiative across the province. The Carling Pharmacy pharmacists have all completed this course.

Are there certain situations when the pharmacist cannot assess a Minor Ailment in the list above?

Yes, for each minor illness there are certain situations that are outside a pharmacist’s scope of practice and for which they cannot provide an assessment. These are listed for each Minor Ailment during the OpSoft appointment booking process. You will also be asked to confirm that you have consulted the list and none of these pertain to you before you book an appointment.

I fall into one of the situations that is outside the pharmacist’s Minor Ailment scope of practice. Anything should I do?

In this case, you should report to the Day Treatment Unit (DTU) at the Montfort Clinic for an assessment by a primary care clinician (ex. med tech, PA, physician, nurse practitioner).

Can I book an appointment with the Carling Pharmacy pharmacist even if I fall into one of the situations that is outside the pharmacist’s Minor Ailment scope of practice?

No. The pharmacist will not be able to complete an assessment and will direct you to the DTU during DTU hours (0730 to 1100). Booking an appointment will delay assessment and treatment of your medical condition.

How do I book an appointment?

Please click on the link: Health Svc Gp (accessible only on the internal DWAN network) that will bring you to the OpSoft booking tool (requires DWAN access).

The Carling Pharmacy will only accept appointments via email pharmacycarling-pharmaciecarling@forces.gc.ca or phone 613-901-6166 for those who do not have DWAN access.

Can the Pharmacist write refills on the prescription?

No. The intent of the Minor Ailment assessment is for acute/immediate medical conditions. If the medical condition is a chronic/long term issue for which you typically see a primary care clinician who provides you with a prescription with refills, please contact your CDU to book an appointment with your primary care clinician. 

Do I have to wait for the prescription after the assessment is complete?

You are not obliged to wait. If the pharmacy is able to fill the prescription immediately, the waiting time will be approx. 30 mins.  However, depending on the workload of the pharmacy, it may take longer, and you may be asked to come back later that day to pick up the prescription.

Who can request a Minor Ailment assessment at the Carling Pharmacy?

All military members who are regular force, reservists who are Class C or Class B >180 days and non dive/air crew, non dive/air crew, can be assessed by the Carling Pharmacy.

Are Minor Ailment assessments being offered at the Montfort Pharmacy?

No. This service is currently only being offered at the Carling Pharmacy.

If I get my prescriptions filled at the Montfort Pharmacy, can I still use this service?

Yes. The Carling and Montfort pharmacies are not linked and therefore one pharmacy cannot see the member’s medication profile at the other pharmacy. However, as part of the Minor Ailment assessment, the pharmacist will ask the member what medications they are currently taking. The pharmacist also has access to the member’s electronic health record (CFHIS), which can also be used to cross reference their medications.

Please Note: If you work at the Carling Campus site, it is strongly recommended that you make the Carling Pharmacy your main pharmacy. If you are currently a Montfort Pharmacy patient and would like to switch to the Carling Pharmacy, please contact the Carling Pharmacy and request your active prescriptions be transferred.  Telephone: 613-901-6166 or email: PharmacyCarling-PharmacieCarling@forces.gc.ca

Can I be assessed virtually and have the pharmacy send prescriptions to a pharmacy local to me?

No, we require the member to be physically present at the pharmacy to be assessed. Policy dictates that prescriptions be filled at a base pharmacy.

I do not typically work at the Carling Campus and do not have parking. Is parking available?

Yes. Once an appointment is booked, the member will be able to access a parking pass for one of the two parking spots specifically reserved for the Carling Campus Pharmacy. Instructions will be included with the parking pass, and it is only to be used for the duration of the appointment.

What is the location/contact information for the Carling Campus Pharmacy?

Bldg. 9 in hallway behind Canex Barber

Email: pharmacycarling-pharmaciecarling@forces.gc.ca

Phone number:  613-901-6166

Fax number: 613-901-8949

Hours of Operation: 0730-1200h and 1300-1500h