Collaborations have improved the efficiency of the vaccination process in Renfrew- more arms are getting jabs in what one might term a “Team Renfrew” approach.
Pharmacist Sheila Kemp signed on with the volunteer team at 100 Health Village Lane after the allocation process initially overlooked Aikenhead’s.
Kemp felt she and her team of three other pharmacists and two certified pharmacy technologists who work at Aikenhead’s Pharmacy should be actively helping the vaccination effort, and the two groups have formed a pilot partnership.
Similar collaborations may occur when further supply is assured.
It’s a key example of community cooperation between the Town, the RCDHU, County of Renfrew Paramedics, local and retired physicians, staff, volunteers and the generosity of tenants in sharing their space at 100 Health Village Lane.
Chris Ferguson, RVH VP of Patient Services, is thrilled, thanking Aikenhead’s providing the extra hands on deck to support RVH staff, physicians and volunteers and hope it sets the stage for future partnerships.
But the good news continues as last Thursday (April 22nd) Sheila Kemp was ‘flow coordinator’ at the vaccination centre at 100 Health Village Lane.
The centre was holding its first AstraZeneca clinic, and the stats were impressive.
Over 140 people age 40 and up were booked to roll up their sleeves over the four hours.
There’s a caution to our tale of success: while primary care providers like the Health Village Lane clinic await news on the supply chain for the serum from the Provincial Government, all upcoming appointments for the AstraZeneca vaccine will be booked through participating pharmacies until further notice.


