Over the past two years, community pharmacists and pharmacy assistants have worked under the most extreme circumstances to continue providing medicines, services and advice to their communities.
In the face of fires, floods, drought and Covid-19 they have been exemplars of committed and dedicated health professionals.
National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey, says that over the past two years pharmacists and pharmacy assistants have not taken a backward step.
“They have been always there, always committed, always caring,” he says.
“But the past two years had taken their toll. They are exhausted.
“As a community pharmacist myself, I understand just how intense the pressure has been, and how hard we have all had to work to ensure our patients continue to get the best possible healthcare treatment regardless of the environment we are operating in.”
In response to this, this Australia Day the Pharmacy Guild took the opportunity to publicly thank all of Australia’s community pharmacists and pharmacy assistants for their sacrifices, hard work and total dedication to their patients and communities.
“These people have remained open and accessible throughout all the amazing challenges, often when other health services have not been available,” says Professor Twomey.
“They have stood up and accepted the added responsibilities placed on them by the challenges faced by Australia.
“They have devoted their energies to ensuring their patients remain front and centre of everything they do. They have introduced special services to help their patients and communities deal with the challenges.”
Professor Twomey urges everyone using a community pharmacy to join the Guild in showing their appreciation to the pharmacists and staff.
“When you go into the pharmacy a simple thank you can go a long way. Show them you really appreciate what they are doing,” he says.
