Company Description – County Drugstore is a locally owned retail pharmacy serving Picton and the broader Prince Edward County community since 2013. Beyond prescription dispensing, the pharmacy provides vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and specialized clinical services, including 2SLGBTQ+ health support, opioid agonist therapy, and customized compliance packaging. Through equitable, stigma-free, and personalized care, County Drugstore plays an important role in improving healthcare accessibility for seniors, marginalized populations, and residents managing complex health needs.

Project Description – Prior to modernization, the pharmacy relied on outdated laser printers and paper-based processes that created operational bottlenecks, increased supply costs, and contributed to unnecessary paper and toner waste. Mechanical failures and manual document handling also diverted staff time away from direct patient care and clinical services.

Through the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG), County Drugstore transitioned to a paperless digital workflow by implementing high-efficiency thermal prescription and receipt printers, along with a high-speed document scanner. The new system enables prescriptions and supporting documents to be digitized and attached directly to electronic patient files, improving record accuracy, reducing administrative workload, and strengthening dispensing safety.

Project Impact – The modernization has significantly improved operational efficiency by eliminating legacy equipment failures, reducing maintenance requirements, and streamlining daily workflows. The pharmacy has achieved a 77 per cent reduction in label costs, eliminated approximately $3,000 in annual printer maintenance expenses, and reclaimed 4–6 staff hours per week previously spent troubleshooting equipment issues. These efficiencies represent approximately 208–312 labour hours saved annually, allowing staff to redirect time toward patient care, compliance packaging, and expanded clinical services.

The transition to a digital-first workflow has also reduced environmental impact by minimizing paper consumption and toner waste while supporting Ontario’s sustainability goals. By improving operational capacity by an estimated 10–15 per cent, County Drugstore is projecting an annual revenue increase of over $21,000 through increased capacity for patient-focused care.

Overall, the project has strengthened County Drugstore’s role as a modern, community-focused healthcare provider, enabling the pharmacy team to spend less time managing outdated systems and more time delivering accessible, personalized care to the Prince Edward County community.