Page 28 - RPA Magazine December 2020

26 PATY STATE/TERRITORY WINNERS FROM PAGE 25 and checking in on our customers, which we found gave us a better insight into our customers and helped with getting to know them a little bit better – both regulars and new customers. What are your top tips for getting through the silly season, particularly for those who may be alone during this time? This year has been a difficult year for everyone, and coming up to the silly season I think it’s important to check in on your friends, family, and neighbours – in terms of both their mental and physical health. It could be something as simple as asking if they need anything from the shops if you’re heading that way. If you’re alone this season, I’d strongly encourage you to reach out to your local community groups or get involved in some volunteer work to keep you busy. And my favourite summer tip is to slip, slop and slap if you’re heading out, and keep hydrated. Cody Marshall, Victoria – United Chemists Wodonga What has been your biggest learning curve in working in retail pharmacy through the Covid-19 pandemic? One of my biggest learning curves has been adapting to the large number of sudden regulatory changes and communicating these changes to the patients on a daily basis – from social distancing methods and restrictions on prescription medication to the temporary measures used to ensure Ventolin stock integrity. What are your top tips for getting through the silly season, particularly for those who may be alone during this time? Don’t think Christmas is cancelled! There’s still plenty of ways we can connect with friends and family this year. Make plans now to see those you can, even if it’s not on the day. Be intentional about calling or connecting virtually with those you can’t see in person. Emma Smallbone, Queensland – Zammitt Street Pharmacy What has been your biggest learning curve in working in retail pharmacy through the Covid-19 pandemic? It felt like Covid-19 was always on our doorstep and I really felt that sense of uncertainty from my patients every single day at the height of the pandemic in Queensland. I learnt that people needed reassurance every day that we remained open. Patients were genuinely concerned they’d be cut off from essential help. It made me realise that we do offer a lifeline to patients that are lonely and need help when maybe their family, friends and neighbours can’t be around. We offer more than just supplying medication; we counsel, advise and comfort patients when they need it. What are your top tips for getting through the silly season, particularly for those who may be alone during this time? Practising mindfulness and being in the moment while enjoying time with family and friends is a great way to really enjoy this silly season. We’ve spent so much of 2020 living virtually. Put away the phones and pick up a cold drink and celebrate a healthy and happy 2021. Your local community will also be hosting some holiday festivities that will be appropriate for the Covid-19 restrictions in your state or territory. Get out and enjoy these safely to support local businesses. Kenya Broad, Tasmania – Penguin Pharmacy What has been your biggest learning curve working in retail pharmacy through the Covid-19 pandemic? Being the only pharmacy in our small rural community on the north- west coast of Tasmania, l learnt throughout the Covid-19 pandemic how appreciated we are as pharmacy assistants. When stage four restrictions hit, we, along with the local IGA, were the only businesses open. Our community relied on our service and expertise. With a largely elderly population, we were delivering within our local area daily to those elderly and high-risk patients. The response from those patients was sometimes overwhelming and our efforts never went unnoticed in our community. What are your top tips for getting through the silly season, particularly for those who may be alone during this time? Organisation is key. Planning ahead and not leaving shopping until the crazy week before Christmas. Although there are many people alone during our festive season, you’re not alone. Join a social group within your community. This is where people during this time can meet and connect. Have a happy and safe Christmas. RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • DEC 2020