Medicine Shoppe Canada and Quality Foods announce partnership to drive better patient care in new pharmacy model

PORT ALBERNI, BC, March 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Medicine Shoppe Canada (MSC) and its parent company, McKesson Canada, are proud to announce a partnership with Quality Foods, an island original and award-winning leader in the Canadian grocery industry that will drive better patient experience in retail pharmacy.

This exciting partnership will see the opening of a new, state-of-the-art pharmacy within a leading grocery store – designed with evolving patient centric care models in mind. Long-time community pharmacist, Larry Johannessen and current owner of two other Medicine Shoppe locations, will operate the new location within the Port Alberni Quality Foods.

"As pharmacists, patient and customer care is at the heart of what we do, each and every day", said, Larry Johannessen. "I'm excited to partner with Quality Foods to welcome patients into our new facility as we expand access to patient care".

Quality Foods and the Medicine Shoppe are dedicated to providing personalized care and customer service. This partnership is a natural fit.

"We're thrilled to offer Alberni Valley residents the opportunity to take advantage of this unique arrangement between Quality Foods and The Medicine Shoppe," says Ken Schley, Quality Foods president. "Larry Johannessen and his team are well-known and respected in the community, and we see it as one more way that our combined offerings will add to our customers' shopping experience."

"At Medicine Shoppe Canada, our pharmacist-owners provide personalized access to care every day. Larry Johannessen is a shining example of a pharmacist that views each transaction as an opportunity to educate and empower patients to improve their overall health. We are very fortunate to be able to partner with award winning owners and operators such as Larry and the team at Quality Foods as we launch our new store design", said Terry Stychin, President of Medicine Shoppe Canada.

About Quality Foods
Quality Foods began as Qualicum Foods in 1982 as a single small store in downtown Qualicum Beach. Today, Quality Foods is an award-winning independent grocer and Platinum Member of the Canada's Best Managed Companies program. With the recent opening of Quality Foods thirteenth store in View Royal, the company has now topped 1,000 people employed.

About Medicine Shoppe Canada
Medicine Shoppe Canada Inc. (www.medicineshoppe.ca) is part of McKesson Canada. Medicine Shoppe pharmacies are individually owned and operated, and are distinguished for their commitment to providing expert, compassionate, personalized care. The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy is an industry leader in patient-focused professional pharmacy practice. Every aspect of the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy is designed with patient health in mind. "Your Health. Our Priority" is not just a slogan to us--it is the reason our pharmacist-owners choose to practice under the Medicine Shoppe brand. A dedicated focus on health care products and services coupled with a warm, welcoming environment make the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy's award winning concept the pharmacy choice of many Canadians from coast to coast. For more information visit www.medicineshoppe.ca.

About McKesson Canada
Founded more than 100 years ago, McKesson Canada is dedicated to delivering vital medicines, supplies and information technologies that enable the health care industry to provide patients better, safer care. Our solutions empower pharmacies, manufacturers, hospitals and other health care institutions by enabling them to get closer to the millions of patients they serve every single day, while contributing to the quality and safety of care in Canada.

SOURCE Quality Foods

Elizabeth Huart, McKesson Canada, 514-832-2587, [email protected]; Rob MacKay, Quality Foods, 250-248-4004, [email protected]