Otago Daily Times

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY PHARMACIST­S

PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR NEARLY 170 YEARS

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As you probably know by now, discount pharmacies are coming to Dunedin. We, your local community pharmacies want to make sure you also understand what we have to offer. Locally owned Dunedin pharmacies have been loyally serving our customers for nearly 170 years – the oldest pharmacy in New Zealand is in Dunedin – and most of us know our regular customers by name.

Free services and medicines

It is not commonly known that our pharmacies also provide many free services including, care and advice without the need for an appointmen­t, and taking time to coordinate with other health profession­als, such as ringing doctors, to resolve issues on your behalf. You may not be aware that many prescripti­on medicines are free at all pharmacies. All medicines for children under 14 are free. Also, once a family (an individual or couple with or without dependent children) has had 20 subsidised prescripti­on medicines in one year, they receive free prescripti­on medicines for the remainder of the year.

Going the “extra mile”

During the worst of the pandemic last year, your community pharmacies stepped up. We maintained our opening hours, set up safe routes into and out of our pharmacies, and ensured the highest levels of safety for everyone. We were a source of public health informatio­n and were there when you needed us. We value talking with and getting to know our customers and their concerns. You are not a number to us, time is not money, you are a real person with unique challenges we want to help with. No matter how complicate­d your prescripti­on regime, we will ensure you receive thorough advice for an optimal health recovery. Our pharmacy staff like to make you feel welcome when you come to visit us, offering to help you find what you’re looking for and giving advice based on extensive training and experience. There are often multiple products to choose from and we know and can advise you on the best solution for your particular health concerns.

Part of our local community

Our pharmacies have long been and remain an integral part of the local community. We sponsor community events and sports clubs, generously providing support and donating our time. Many volunteer organisati­ons depend on us to help keep them going in the increasing­ly challengin­g not-for-profit sector. It is important to be able to get to your local pharmacy, whether that’s by car, bus or mobility scooter. Many of our pharmacies are close by and easy to reach so you don’t have to battle traffic or find parking. We are often clustered with other stores you visit frequently, reducing the need to go out often. Smaller, more intimate pharmacies make all of this easier, plus there’s always a friendly face to greet you behind the counter. Our local pharmacies are members of the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand which provides support and services to community pharmacy owners. We have been proudly serving you, the residents of Dunedin, for 170 years and we will endeavor to continue our high levels of service, provide a friendly ear and a welcoming environmen­t that is convenient­ly located near your home. Support your local Guild pharmacy today. You can access these convenient locations throughout Dunedin and Central Otago.

 ??  ?? Dunedin Pharmacy Owners L to R: Bob Kim, Shwetashna Prasad Lee Tan, Paul Larson, Chin Loh, Jenny Flack, Nik Wild, Lorealle Lam, Andy Hou, Amy von Huben, Lauren Hurley, Gavin Chin, Shun Wu. (Absent: Debbie Brentnall, Keith Newton)
Dunedin Pharmacy Owners L to R: Bob Kim, Shwetashna Prasad Lee Tan, Paul Larson, Chin Loh, Jenny Flack, Nik Wild, Lorealle Lam, Andy Hou, Amy von Huben, Lauren Hurley, Gavin Chin, Shun Wu. (Absent: Debbie Brentnall, Keith Newton)

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