Pharmacy Daily | Pair celebrate 37 years in rural areas

TWO regional pharmacists in New South Wales are celebrating 37 years of combined business partnership on World Pharmacists Day, which recognises the global contributions of pharmacists.

Sarah Hazell from Flannery's Pharmacy Forbes and Meagan Gunn (pictured) from Orana Mall Pharmacy, Dubbo, first met as students at Charles Sturt University in 1998, and are friends and business partners - they were even bridesmaids for each other.

Both pharmacists, in partnership with Life Pharmacy Group, emphasised the importance of their roles in rural healthcare, where access to health services is limited.

"Pharmacists are highly valued members of the health care team, especially in rural areas where access to health services are often more limited than in metropolitan areas," Gunn told Pharmacy Daily.

"We can collaborate with local health services to optimise patient health outcomes," she added.

The emergence of pharmacy prescribing pilots is an exciting addition to scope of practice and is a step in the right direction in improving timely access to medicines for all Australians, commented both pharmacists.

"In this way we are better able to meet the health needs of our community, where there is often a long wait for an appointment with a GP," explained Gunn.

Hazell remarked, "I've just absolutely loved my role as a pharmacist in a small, rural community in NSW".

"A lot of young people are amazed to learn I've only ever had one job.

"I started here at the age of 18 and that was my first job, at Flannery's Pharmacy, and I'm still here today, as I think it's been so rewarding professionally.

"It's a great environment to get to know your patient and see them again, and again, and get those regular follow-ups.

"You build those wonderful relationships and you truly become their community pharmacist, it's really lovely," Hazell concluded. JG