Privacy Policy

1. Collection of Information

We collect personal and health information directly from you, your healthcare providers, or your authorized representatives. The information collected through our website forms (such as Contact, Transfer, and Prescription forms) may include:

• Name, Date of Birth, and Contact Information (Email, Phone number, Address)
• Personal Health Number (PHN)
• Current Pharmacy Details
• Prescription medications and health conditions relevant to your care

2. Purpose of Collection

The information we collect is strictly used to provide pharmacy services. This includes:

• Processing prescription transfers and refills
• Communicating with your previous pharmacy or prescribing doctor
• Providing clinical advice and medication reviews
• Responding to your inquiries and scheduling appointments

3. Data Security and Transmission

We take all necessary precautions to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, or theft:

• Website Security: Our website uses SSL/TLS encryption (HTTPS) to ensure that any data you submit through our online forms is securely transmitted.
• Email & Contact Forms: Our website uses encrypted connections to securely process submissions. Please be aware that while our forms are secure, standard unencrypted email (like our contact email) may have inherent risks. We recommend using our secure website forms for sensitive health inquiries.
• Internal Systems: All patient data is stored in secure pharmacy management software that complies with provincial healthcare standards. Access is restricted to authorized pharmacy staff only.

4. Sharing and Disclosure

Cowichan Pharmacy will never sell your personal information. We only share your PHI with authorized third parties when necessary for your care, such as collaborating with your physician, coordinating with insurance providers (PharmaCare), or transferring prescriptions to another pharmacy at your request.

5. Retention and Destruction

We retain your personal and health information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal and regulatory requirements set by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia. When information is no longer needed, it is securely destroyed or anonymized.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to request access to your personal health information held by us and to request corrections if you believe the information is inaccurate. You may also withdraw your consent for us to collect, use, or disclose your information, subject to legal and contractual restrictions.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or our data handling practices, please contact our Pharmacy Manager/Privacy Officer at: