"Alternative for Non-Emergency Care"

We often hear complaints about Alberta’s health care system, but not enough about the good things.

This morning, I woke up with a terrible bladder infection. I knew exactly what it was, and as the symptoms worsened by the hour, I braced myself for a long, frustrating wait in the emergency room.

Let’s be honest—our hospitals are overwhelmed, and many people end up in emergency for non-life-threatening issues simply because they have nowhere else to turn. The wait times can be horrendous, stretching for hours, and these visits put an enormous strain on our health care system. Even seeing a family doctor for a simple follow-up can take six weeks or more.

Then I remembered—Alberta pharmacists can prescribe certain medications! I called my local pharmacy, explained my symptoms, and within minutes, the pharmacist confirmed she could help. I was out the door, picked up my prescription, and back home—all in just 15 minutes.

It may not have been a medical emergency, but if you’ve ever had a bladder infection, you know how miserable they can be.

Now, I can sit back, enjoy my coffee, and carry on with my day. Thank goodness for our pharmacists and the small wins that make all the difference!