Southward Medical Supplies, “Service & Price That’s Good for Your Health!”

Every community has its fixtures… those businesses, traditions, places, and people that it’s hard to imagine not being there. For many locals, Southward Medical is one of those fixtures. More than a store, or a community service, or a friendly place to stop by for some advice… Southward Medical checks those boxes and more.

Phil Southward is at the head of this family-driven business. In 2019, Southward Medical moved from the location they’d outgrown into their new space on 32nd Avenue and 29th Street. It’s now one of the largest retail medical suppliers in the BC Interior.

This new, larger location allows them to stock an extensive variety of products. Phil explains how this is part of what makes Southward Medical different. “We’re fairly unique in all of BC. We’re a home healthcare and selfcare store. We cover everything from mobility aids and home safety aids to band-aids. Some companies have chosen to focus on one facet of the business. We cover every facet.”

A customer once commented that the store is “the Fisher’s Hardware of home medical.” It was a fitting and somewhat charming way to say if you need it, they probably have it. From tongue depressors to anti-slip mats to hospital beds, the common thread among the wide range of products is they’re all designed to help people stay safe, or to recover or rehab at home.

“There’s isn’t much that we don’t have,” Phil says, “and all our staff know that if we don’t have it in store, we can probably get it.” Focused on the shop being more than a retail outlet, the staff are trained and empowered to make decisions and be problem solvers. It’s common for customers to come in not knowing what they need, and leave with a solution that they didn’t even know existed.

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The larger location also has the space to offer private consultations. If a customer prefers, discussions about a product or course of care can take place in a private area as well as with the customer’s choice of a male or female team member.

Southward Medical’s impact reaches beyond the store walls. Along with donations to local charities, Phil also volunteers his time with various groups. He gives education sessions at many retirement homes in town (currently suspended due to Covid-19) and has an open invitation to speak on any subject he feels would be helpful. He gives seniors’ talks to community associations, has spoken with the local prostate support group, and has worked with Community Policing on mobility scooter safety.

The Southward team will adjust a walker at no charge, and they offer free pickup of power equipment for repair. When the Home Safety Assessment government program ended, Southward began offering the safety assessments at no charge and with no obligation.

So even with the extensive selection of products and the wide range of customers Southward Medical serves, what it comes down to is helping people. Phil says, “We’re enabling people to stay in their homes, and be able to move freely around their home and get out to live their lives.

When the subject of retirement comes up, he says “Helping people… this has got to be the most gratifying job I’ve ever had, so shutting that off just to go fishing, well, I don’t know about that idea.” The staff tell Phil that they too know they’re making a difference in people’s lives, and he says “When you truly love your job, it shows.”

Contact:
Visit online: southwardmedicalsupplies.ca/
Email: smsvernon@shawbiz.ca
Call: 250-542-3334