I am usually not the type of person to write a review for anything, but I came across this forum and felt that I had to say something in regards to my numerous negative experiences with this pharmacy.
There is no way on God's green earth I would have switched from the Pharmasave off of Larry Uteck , had a family move not transpired. Matt and the team over there embody the spirit of a true community pharmacy and shattered all of my family's expectations. We just assumed all Pharmasaves were like that, but boy were we wrong.
It all started on our very first visit. We were in the process of switching family practicioners as well, and our new doctor happened to be on holidays. I have been on anti-anxiety medication since I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Generalized Anxiety from a diving accident where I broke my neck about 18 years ago, and cannot skip more than one dose without possibly going into seizure and even possible death.
I was running out of medication, and being unable to see my family doctor - I was stressing out about the situation. Since this wasnt the type of medication that can be prescribed by a walk-in clinic, I made the assumption that the pharmacy would understand my predicament since I had my empty prescription bottle noting refills on it - and that they would provide me with enough medication (3 days worth) to bridge the gap until my doctor came back from holidays.
This same type of situation occured a few times to me over the years, and whichever pharmacy I was at either in Ontario or here in Nova Scotia went out of their way to help me so I didnt have to fear being disasterously ill and being rushed to the hospital.
Community Pharmasave on Prospect had no concern whatsoever about my health, refused to forward me even one dose of medication, and informed me that "I guess you will have to go to the hospital, do you not understand we are trying to run a business here?".
Also, in the short time we have been dealing there, they refused to release a monthly prescription 1 day early twice - once because we were going out of town, and the other because we had no way of picking it up on the actual date......and on most occasions, even when the scripts are called in - there is a wait time of 20-30 minutes. And that isn't because they are busy, believe me. The staff like to natter and giggle about their personal lives rather then do their collective jobs.
I have always been under the impression and experience that pharmacies were staffed by people who genuinely care about the health of their patrons and would always find a way to assist someone who is caught in a bind - albeit financial, physical or otherwise. Community Pharmasave on Prospect Rd. is not this type of pharmacy, they are clearly out to make money and "run a business" as I was told firsthand.....and this type of attitude is typically one that in business is 'Top Down' - in other words, begins with a flawed outlook on healthcare and what it means to "run a business" in this sector. And yes, I know what it means to run a business as I possess a Masters Degree in Business and another in Economics. Did I mention how much I enjoyed being belittled and talked down to by a pharmacy cashier in regards to business? LOL. Oh, I forgot to mention that my father was a pharmacist for over 30 years - so I know all about pharmacy protocol and that it was well within Community Pharmasave's power to fulfill my minor requirements in each of these situations.
I can only pray that this pharmacy either;
a) Gets its shit together from the "Top Down".
b) Goes out of business and is replaced by a properly trained staff with morals.
c) My family moves far, far away so we can be closer to a real pharmacy.
My advise to anyone thinking of getting involved with this pharmacy is to NOT do so. Unless you need to pick up some emergency toiletries, or get the munchies. They do periodically have great deals on Pringles.
- Anger From Around the Corner
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