Pharmacists are valued

PATIENTS are increasingly seeing the crucial role pharmacists play in the health system, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Executive Director, Suzanne Greenwood (pictured), believes.

Writing in the Guild’s fortnightly member newsletter, Forefront, Greenwood reflected on her first 100 days with the organisation, and the dedication of the pharmacists she has encountered.

“I’ve now been the Executive Director of the Guild for just over 100 days, a fascinating period of induction into the dynamics and complexities of this vital industry.

“In that time, I have visited Guild branches and met countless Guild members, and without fail I have been struck by the commitment and dedication of our pharmacy owners and their staff.

“Walking into so many pharmacies in the past couple of months has also allowed me to have a chat with quite a number of patients, those who come into their local community pharmacy, often at their most vulnerable, and seeking help.

“Many patients are becoming increasingly aware of just what an essential contribution their local pharmacy makes to the overall health system, and how much more a modern community pharmacy is contributing these days to the broader health system.

“The availability in many pharmacies of consulting rooms, for example, has enabled private health consults and highly personalised care responses.

“And of course, community pharmacy still wants to do more, through enabling pharmacists to practise to their full scope.

“Pharmacist vaccination is a key example.

“A few years ago, no pharmacist in Australia was authorised to vaccinate a patient against the flu.

“Today it is happening in every State and Territory.”