Impolite, unprofessional staff

This particular Shopper's is one that is open 24 hours/7 days a week. The night pharmacists (10pm-8am) are really excellent, professional people (Maria, Ruth Ann, Jay) who enjoy their jobs and enjoy helping their customers/patients. It is only the night staff that gives this pharmacy any redemption and the only reason I gave it two stars instead of one. If you need a prescription filled in the middle of the night, this is the place to go (and if you live in the NW, really the only place you CAN go).

If, however, you need a prescription filled in the day, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! The day pharmacists are only interested in pushing through the maximum number of prescriptions per hour as possible. If your prescription gives them ANY trouble whatsoever (difficult to read, they need to call the doctor for confirmation, etc.), do not expect to be treated with respect, dignity or professionalism. Vic, the "Head Pharmacist" is a very unprofessional pharmacist who has had many formal complaints lodged against him with the Alberta College of Pharmacists because of his unprofessional conduct. For some reason, Shopper's continues his employment.

In my own personal experience, my doctor faxed a prescription over to this pharmacy at 11:05AM (the time on the fax). I arrived to pick-up the prescription at 2:30PM, thinking that they would fill the prescription as soon as they got it. When I got there, it was still sitting in the fax machine. They were fairly busy, but on several occasions I saw a pharmacist or assistant go over to the fax machine to copy something or send a fax. It was clear that there were faxes sitting there waiting to be picked up. I was told by Vic to "sit down" and that they'd fill my prescription. I heard him on the phone mentioning my name a few times, obviously on the phone with my doctor's office trying to clear up something on the prescription. After 30 minutes, and seeing several people who dropped off their prescriptions after me come and pick them up, I went to the counter to inquire when my prescription would be ready. The assistant turned around and asked Vic if they'd "sorted out the problem with [my] prescription." Vic just looked at me and shouted, "If you don't go sit down RIGHT NOW, you're not getting you're prescription AT ALL." The assistant looked shocked and having a flight that left in 2 hours, rather than argue, I went and sat down. 1.5 HOURS later, Vic FINALLY had my prescription done. When the assistant was ringing it through, even SHE apologized for how Vic had treated me.

With prescription in hand (now he couldn't withhold it from me), I went around to the side counter and politely asked Vic what I did that made him think I deserved to be yelled at like that. He completely ignored me and moved to the far end of the pharmacy where I couldn't see him.

I sent a complaint letter to Carol, the owner of the pharmacy; it went unanswered. I also filed a formal complaint with the College of Pharmacists. It is still pending.

Final word, don't use this pharmacy unless you have no other choice. They do not deserve your business.