Skip the ER: How your Oak Pharmacy can now treat 19 minor ailments

We've all been there. It's a Saturday night, your kid has pink eye, and you're staring down a four-hour wait at the ER. Or maybe you woke up with a painful UTI and your family doctor can't see you for two weeks.

Here's the good news: you don't have to wait anymore.

Ontario pharmacists can now assess and prescribe medications for 19 common health conditions. That means you can walk into Oak Medical Arts, talk to one of our pharmacists, and walk out with the treatment you need: often in less time than it takes to find parking at the hospital.

Let's break down what this means for you and your family in Thunder Bay.

What Changed? A Quick Background

Back in January 2023, the Ontario government expanded what pharmacists can do. Initially, we could assess and prescribe for 13 minor ailments. Then in October 2023, six more conditions were added to the list.

This isn't about replacing your doctor. It's about getting you faster access to care for everyday health issues that don't require a full medical workup. Think of it as a shortcut that saves you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

The 19 Minor Ailments We Can Treat

Here's the full list of conditions our pharmacists at Oak Medical Arts can now help you with:

Skin Conditions

1. Acne Those frustrating breakouts that never seem to go away? We can assess your skin and prescribe treatments that actually work: no more guessing which over-the-counter product to try.

2. Dermatitis This includes eczema, contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions on your skin. If you're dealing with red, itchy, irritated skin, come see us.

3. Diaper Rash New parents, this one's for you. When diaper cream isn't cutting it, we can prescribe something stronger to get your little one comfortable again.

4. Cold Sores Those painful blisters around your mouth can be treated quickly. The sooner you start treatment, the faster they heal.

5. Impetigo This bacterial skin infection is common in kids and spreads easily. We can prescribe the antibiotics needed to clear it up.

6. Insect Bites and Hives Summer in Thunder Bay means bugs. When bites get swollen and itchy or you break out in hives, we've got you covered.

Eye and Mouth Issues

7. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Whether it's bacterial, viral, or allergic, we can figure out what's causing your pink eye and recommend the right treatment.

8. Canker Sores Those painful mouth ulcers that make eating miserable? We can help speed up healing and reduce your discomfort.

9. Oral Thrush This fungal infection in the mouth is common in babies and older adults. We can prescribe antifungal medication to treat it.

Allergies and Respiratory

10. Allergic Rhinitis Seasonal allergies making you miserable? We can prescribe antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids that work better than what you'll find on the shelf.

Digestive Issues

11. Acid Reflux (GERD) That burning sensation in your chest after meals? We can assess your symptoms and prescribe medication to help manage it.

12. Hemorrhoids Let's be honest: nobody wants to sit in a waiting room to talk about this. Our pharmacists can help you discreetly and get you the relief you need.

13. Pinworms Common in kids and easily spread in schools and daycares. We can prescribe the treatment to clear up the infection for the whole family.

Women's Health

14. Menstrual Cramps When over-the-counter pain relievers aren't enough, we can prescribe stronger options to help you get through your day.

15. UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) This is a big one. UTIs are painful and uncomfortable, and waiting days for an appointment just makes things worse. We can assess your symptoms and prescribe antibiotics on the spot.

16. Yeast Infections Another condition where quick treatment makes all the difference. Skip the wait and get relief faster.

17. Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy Morning sickness can be debilitating. We can prescribe safe medications to help manage your symptoms so you can function.

Other Conditions

18. Tick Bites Living in Northwestern Ontario, tick bites are a real concern. We can provide post-exposure treatment to help prevent Lyme disease.

19. Sprains and Strains Twisted your ankle? Pulled a muscle? We can assess your injury and prescribe appropriate pain management and anti-inflammatory medications.

How Does It Work?

Getting treatment at Oak Medical Arts is simple:

Step 1: Come In Walk into our pharmacy: no appointment needed. Let us know you'd like to be assessed for a minor ailment.

Step 2: Assessment One of our pharmacists will ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you're currently taking. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Treatment If your condition qualifies, we'll prescribe the appropriate medication right then and there. You can fill your prescription before you leave.

Step 4: Follow-Up We'll let you know what to watch for and when you should see a doctor if things don't improve.

That's it. No referrals. No waiting weeks for an appointment. No sitting in the ER for hours.

What Does It Cost?

Here's some even better news: if you have a valid Ontario health card, there's no charge for the pharmacist consultation. You'll just pay for your medication, and if you have drug coverage, that may be covered too.

When Should You Still Go to the ER?

We want to be clear: this service is for minor ailments and minor conditions. There are definitely times when you need emergency care. Head to the ER directly if you have more serious or severe symptoms.

When in doubt, you can still come in or call the pharmacy. We're happy to help you figure out where you should go. That's what we're here for.

Why This Matters for Thunder Bay

Let's be real: getting healthcare in Thunder Bay isn't always easy. Many people don't have a family doctor. Walk-in clinics have long waits. The ER is meant for emergencies, but sometimes it feels like the only option.

This expanded pharmacy service helps fill that gap. It means faster care for common conditions and less strain on our already-stretched healthcare system.

Plus, you're dealing with pharmacists who know their stuff. We have years of training in medications and how they work. For these 19 conditions, we can often get you feeling better just as quickly as a doctor's visit would: sometimes faster.

Ready to Skip the Wait?

Next time you or your family member is dealing with one of these 19 minor ailments, don't waste hours in a waiting room. Come see us at Oak Medical Arts instead.

We're here to help Thunder Bay residents get the care they need, when they need it.

Have questions about whether your condition qualifies? Give us a call or stop by. We're always happy to chat.