BUSHFIRES and the COVID-19 pandemic have seem pharmacies across the country take on multiple challenges in 2020 to meet the needs of patients.
Marking the lengths pharmacists have gone to, to support their communities the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has launched a new Community Pharmacy Heroes video series, featuring interviews telling the stories of those on the frontline.
Wheatbelt Health Centre Pharmacy in Western Australia, Managing Partner, Daniel O'Driscoll, said 2020 has been "a time when pharmacy could really show its benefits, and I think we did".
Illawong Pharmacy (NSW) Pharmacist Manager, Connie Arronis, who has received nominations as part of the News Corp Thanks A Million campaign, and as the 2020 Community Pharmacy Hero (PD 22 Sep), said the year had seen pharmacists face "many unprecedented and confronting situations and challenges".
Arronis reflected on stock shortages of medications for chronic conditions.
"I never expected [at] any time during my career in pharmacy to see the shelves bare of those items," she said.
"It's still unbelievable to me that we experienced that."
2020 Pharmacy of the Year Winner, Capital Chemist Chisholm (ACT) Owner, Rebecca Young, said the challenges have allowed the profession to utilise an increased scope of practice to support patients, highlighting the benefits of the Continued Dispensing measures, which have been extended until 31 Mar 2021.
"This has been really useful when we've had patients who've run out of their prescription, they've come into us, when they can't get in to their usual doctor," she said.
"We've been able to provide them with ongoing supply for a month and it's meant they haven't gone without their medication, which has improved health outcomes, so this is something I hope will continue."
For the co-owners of Westgarth Pharmacy in Victoria, Claire Elovaris and Stephanie Miridakis, noted the COVID lockdowns have seen their team dealing with the mental health of patients.
CLICK HERE to watch the series.
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