Tim Smith and Josée-Anne Le Dorze, Ring’s Pharmacy
The Hay River blueprint: Transforming northern healthcare via the NWT’s firstpharmacist-led primary care hub
Residents of Hay River and the South Slave region of the Northwest Territories (NWT) face a chronic shortage of primary care providers. To help close care gaps and in preparation for expansions to pharmacists’ scope of practice in NWT in 2027, Ring’s Pharmacy is transitioning into the region’s first pharmacist-led primary care hub.
Ring’s Pharmacy will assess and prescribe for minor ailments and support the management of chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension and respiratory health. Preventative care and health coaching will also be among the services available. The CFP grant is earmarked for the purchase of specialized software, equipment, and community engagement.
Co-owner Tim Smith will also produce an evidence-based report to share with the government of NWT, capturing the volume of clinical interventions, patient-reported outcomes, and diversion metrics from hospital emergency departments and medical clinics.
