Pharmacy Daily | Violence in pharmacies continues

PHARMACY staff across the country are continuing to face violent and aggressive behaviour, with a disgruntled patient smashing a window between the dispensary and a consulting room in a Victorian store in the latest incident.

Chemist Discount Centre Moe, owner, Rania Hanoun, reported patient verbally abused staff before punching through the glass on Thu.

In an email to staff, Hanoun said it had been "an overwhelming week".

"Last Thursday a patient smashed glass window between the consulting room and the dispensary as I was talking to him.

"As he punched the glass the first time, I knew he was not going to stop at that, I took few steps backward away from the window, he kept going at it until he smashed the whole window and the metal frame.

"It was frightening as customers ran to one side of the shop while others ran to check on their children in their cars as he walked out.

"Thankfully no one was hurt."

Advantage Pharmacy Group CEO, Steven Kastrinakis, who is Hanoun's business partner, said the attack had "rattled" staff and customers.

"Frontline health workers should not be subjected to this aggravated violence," he said.

"Moe Police were called and made an arrest.

"The police were surprised nobody was injured by shards of glass that were sprayed into the dispensary."

Following a similar incident at a pharmacy in Auburn, NSW, Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, George Tambassis, said he was very disturbed by the latest report of violent behaviour.

"Pharmacists and pharmacy staff should not be expected to endure aggression and threatening abuse from a tiny minority of Australians who are engaging in this behaviour," he said.

"The safety and wellbeing of our staff and other patients is paramount."

Pharmacy staff who have been impacted by incidents of violent and aggressive behaviour are urged to contact the Pharmacists Support Service on 1300 244 910.