Uncategorized – Pharmacy Alliance

Posted on July 21, 2022July 21, 2022

Feature Pharmacy: Childers Community Pharmacy

Every month we will be featuring a pharmacy in our Alliance Link. This month we want to highlight Fiona, Pharmacist at Childers Community Pharmacy.

How long have you been a pharmacist?

I registered as a pharmacist at the end of 2000, which means almost 22 years. My career has mostly been in Hospital and Oncology, with only 2 years in community pharmacy as an Australian registered pharmacist. I spent a few years as a community pharmacist in South Africa before emigrating to Australia in 2004.

What made you want to pursue a career in pharmacy?

The honest answer is that I didn’t know what I’d like to study. My father pointed out that pharmacy would be a great choice for me as I always loved taking care of family members’ ailments and my love for chemistry at school. So much so that I completed my initial First Aid qualification using an oral exam as a 5-year-old!

How long have you been working at the Childers Community Pharmacy?

I will celebrate my one-year anniversary with the team in July.

What has been your proudest moment to date while working at Childers Community Pharmacy?

I have to say that it was the day we reached our 1000th Covid-19 vaccination a few months ago. An achievement for a single pharmacist site that can only be reached with an awesome team behind you!

How are you preparing your pharmacy & pharmacy team for the Cold & Cough season?

Ensure that the team’s knowledge with regards to OTC and pharmacist’s own cold and cough treatments are up to date. Recommending front-of-shop merchandising ie complementary and supportive care that can be recommended during the cold and cough season. And most importantly, ensuring the team all have the opportunity to have their Flu vaccinations.

What do you see some of the benefits are of being a part of Pharmacy Alliance?

The accessibility to a network of knowledge has been fantastic. In the Wide Bay Area, we have also been fortunate to help each other out during Covid staff shortages. Lastly, having a PBM to support business functions is a major benefit.

What is your biggest customer service tip?

Always be willing to go the extra mile, stay patient, and put on your smile. Yes, smile even with a mask on, your eyes will show it!

What do you think your point of difference is as a pharmacy in the Childers community?

We are in a prime position located next to the Woolworths in Childers. All our employees are locals with some of them having been there since the pharmacy opened. Customers love to be greeted by name plus we offer free deliveries.

Reflecting over the last 2 years of COVID-19 challenges – what has been the biggest opportunity?

The ability of pharmacies to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations, and more recent supervised RATs, especially in regional areas where customers can either not travel to the next town or have to wait 2-3 weeks to see the doctor.

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Posted on July 14, 2022

Feature Pharmacy: Hilary’s Community Pharmacy

Every month we will be featuring a pharmacy in our Alliance Link. This month we want to highlight Fiona, Pharmacist at Childers Community Pharmacy.

How long have you been a pharmacist?

What made you want to pursue a career in pharmacy?

How long have you been working at the Childers Community Pharmacy?

I will celebrate my one-year anniversary with the team in July.

What has been your proudest moment to date while working at Childers Community Pharmacy?

I have to say that it was the day we reached our 1000th Covid-19 vaccination a few months ago. An achievement for a single pharmacist site that can only be reached with an awesome team behind you!

How are you preparing your pharmacy & pharmacy team for the Cold & Cough season?

What do you see some of the benefits are of being a part of Pharmacy Alliance?

What is your biggest customer service tip?

Always be willing to go the extra mile, stay patient, and put on your smile. Yes, smile even with a mask on, your eyes will show it!

What do you think your point of difference is as a pharmacy in the Childers community?

Reflecting over the last 2 years of COVID-19 challenges – what has been the biggest opportunity?

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Posted on July 13, 2022July 13, 2022

8-week advice program to help people live better with diabetes

In line with Diabetes Awareness week (10-16 July), We’re delighted to have launched the Alliance Pharmacy Healthcare Heroes Live Well with Diabetes program.

With 65 thousand Australians diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year, a 5% increase from the previous year, This program will help support independent pharmacies to grow as it is designed to provide customers with advice on how to manage through consultation with their pharmacist.

Diabetes in Australia is one of the most serious and costly health conditions with over 1.4 million Australians suffering from diabetes, and of that 1.2 million are suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Nimfa Martinez, Chief Marketing Officer at Pharmacy Alliance says “off the back of the increasing numbers of diabetes in Australia it’s our role as community pharmacies to support and provide healthcare to create healthier communities. That’s why over the month of July & August we will be running an 8-week program to support anyone living with Diabetes.”

In partnership with Arrotex, AFT Pharmaceuticals, and GlucoseZone, a lifestyle and fitness app, Pharmacy Alliance have launched Alliance Pharmacy Healthcare Heroes Live Well with Diabetes to support those suffering from Diabetes. A key component of the program is the free Diabetes advice booklet, available at participating Healthcare Hero pharmacies, which includes everything customers need to live better, including advice on blood glucose monitoring, tips on managing diabetes, eating & lifestyle plans and healthy recipes as well as recommended products to support Diabetes.

Fady Beshay, Lakes Esplanade Pharmacy Owner/Working Partner, and one of the participating Alliance Pharmacy Healthcare Heroes is thrilled to be able to provide these services to his local community.

“Patients are invited to set health goals with the pharmacist based on weight management and blood glucose control and patients will receive a free booklet and three consultations across the 8-week period with the pharmacist to discuss the progress of their goals.”

“The initial consultation includes base measurements of waist circumference and current blood glucose level test. Patients will receive the lifestyle booklet and free access coupon to the Glucosezone app to have their very own personal trainer, and diet support from their mobile phone. And the best part is that we offer this service for free.”

“It’s very rewarding when you get to provide a free health service to your patients that really can make a big difference in their wellbeing and lifestyle to help create healthier communities. Being a health destination pharmacy has helped our pharmacy build customers for life”.

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Posted on July 5, 2022July 8, 2022

NAIDOC WEEK

This years theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!

At Pharmacy Alliance, we want to amplify the voices of our aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people during NAIDOC week and beyond it.

NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At Pharmacy Alliance, we’re proud to work with a diverse network of members that break stereotypes and barriers each day.

This NAIDOC Week- Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up and fight for awareness, acceptance, and change!

Pharmacy Alliance members share their own experiences as First Nations people.

“I am very proud to be a Wiradjuri woman, and I am very proud of my success in being a pharmacist, my older relations have spoken about the past and how things are different now, I was brought up with very little in life, but always had my family around me. I live on the local Nanima Village out of town, which is one of the oldest missionary settlements in Australia. As I was isolated from town I didn’t see much problems that others faced, even just 20 years ago, but I am happy that the change continues for First Nations people. The Wellington community celebrated my determination to better myself to become a pharmacist. ”

Pharmacist, Sofoni West from Keirle’s Pharmacy in Wellington NSW

“I am very proud of my heritage, my mob is Wiradjuri which is local to the Wellington area and is recognized as one of the largest mobs in Australia my grandmothers have filled me with many stories of their time and treatment that they suffered but are happy that things have changed for me, Wellington NSW celebrates NAIDOC WEEK, given our large indigenous population. I am very happy with the recognition that first peoples now have, and it was fantastic to hear that the Aboriginal flag is flying on the Harbour Bridge.”

Pharmacy Assistant, Alyssa Smith from Wellington Pharmacy

“I am happy that I can recognize opportunities as a first nation person by blood, that my forebears did not. My grandparents and their grandparents, struggled with their identity due to the cultural chasm they experienced. i am happy that there is now far more recognition and acceptance of my culture and heritage, i am feel a great sense of honour to represent my mob being the Dharug clan.”

Pharmacy Manager, Olivia Lavender from Goodlife Pharmacy South Windsor NSW

“My Nan is an Aboriginal Elder and her name is Violet Lousick and she has shared many experiences with me, but I need to learn more about my heritage. A relative of Nan’s was unfortunately one of the Stolen Generation, due to her lighter skin colour, she was targeted, which still haunts her today. Nan is so happy that I received an education, that she could not, or even think about back then. My dad and Uncle had to leave school early to work to support their family, and I am so glad of the education opportunities that I can take up. My two kids are 18 and 15, and my son is very proud to play footy wearing the Wiradjuri jersey, representing his heritage, and he is even prouder to play for NSW Indigenous basketball. Recognition is better today, but still has a way to go, Nan says! I cannot forget my daughter who has trained in aboriginal dance and studies at school to further her knowledge of her family ties.”

Dispensary Assistant, Kristy Conn from Wellington Pharmacy

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Posted on May 2, 2022May 18, 2022

Mothers In Pharmacy

This Mother’s Day we wanted to celebrate all the hard-working mothers in Pharmacy and around Australia. Catherine Chiu from Hoopers Centre Pharmacy in Toowoomba sat down with us for an interview to discuss the challenges and joys of being a mother while owning and running a Pharmacy.

Tell us a little bit more about Mia.

Mia is 17 months old and a very sweet girl.

When did you return to work after having Mia?

When Mia was 3.5 months old

Does Mia enjoy working in the pharmacy? (tell us about her baby boss badge)

She loves working in the pharmacy for sure. All the customers would come up and greet her, she would wave and give them smiles. She ‘helps’ out with our everyday work- pushing baskets, ‘tidying’ the shelves, ‘sorting’ script baskets and working on dispensing ‘stickers’.

What’s the biggest challenge when juggling mum duties and your career?

I think it’s finding time to do everything- being able to work, spend time with Mia and manage the business. I’ve reduced my working days from 6 days a week to 3 days a week and now 4 days a week so I can spend more time with Mia outside of work. As a result of that, I’ve also worked from home on many occasions for bookwork and stock management etc. I am grateful to have a good team of staff to support me, especially in the early days when there were constant breastfeeding and nappy change.

What advice can you give to other working mums?

Believe in yourself, you can do it, you are doing a great job. Enjoy every moment. I often have mum guilt because I didn’t do things like some of my other friends do with their children but I guess the most important thing I often remind myself is that it’s our first time being mum and baby so it’s a forever learning curve for us- there’s no right or wrong. Welcome, all support around you. I am blessed with a wonderful team of staff and a supporting family. My dad also comes in and helps me babysit regularly. Customers often tell me what grandpa and Mia are up to playing outside of the pharmacy.

What is one thing your mum taught you that you will never forget?

I grew up in my parents’ pharmacy like the way Mia did and hence the influence on me today? My mother was a very hard-working woman and dedicated herself to the family. Her love for us children had been selfless and something we always remember.

Any other comments?

One team member mentioned to me one day how she noticed the customers all behave differently when Mia is around even the elderly men that are usually serious. I am glad Mia has the ability to bring happiness to more people and bring out the ‘child’ side for many adults.

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Posted on March 7, 2022March 8, 2022

CELEBRATING STRONG INDEPENDENT FEMALE PHARMACISTS

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias. Where we can imagine a gender equal world.

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Together we can forge women’s equality and collectively #BreakTheBias.

These larger-than-life ideals rely upon individuals challenging the status quo. Starting with one person having one thought or doing one action, can evoke a long lasting change.

We can break the bias in our communities.

We can break the bias in our workplaces.

We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities.

Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.

Are you in? Will you actively call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping each time you see it?

We interviewed two of our female pharmacists to highlight individuals in pharmacy that #BreakTheBias.

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Posted on February 17, 2022

Celebrating 20 Years of Strength & Independence

This year we are celebrating a milestone at Pharmacy Alliance – it’s our 20-year anniversary.

We’ve worked hard over the last 20 years to fight for independent pharmacy – we’ve established big partnerships to leverage the collective buying power for each individual member pharmacy, we asked you to band together a few years ago so that wholesalers wouldn’t diminish our buying power, we navigated price disclosure and more recently we’ve taken on a pandemic together.

How Pharmacy Alliance started

Like some of you who are second generation pharmacists, I grew up in my dad’s pharmacy in Albany and from the age of eight, my job was to take out the rubbish and help during school holidays. After graduating, my dad purchased a second pharmacy in Perth which I later ran. Dad and I then purchased another two country community pharmacies. Soon after, dad wanted to take a step back and I realised quickly that I needed help to run four stores. I found there wasn’t a specific support business that could do what I needed at the time. From this Pharmacy Alliance began in 2002.

Looking to the future

Today, we are now in the third year of the pandemic, and we are experiencing the pressures of taking on vaccinations and the lack of pharmacists and staff. But today we stand together and are even stronger because our communities are coming to our pharmacies for their health needs rather than other pharmacies. I am excited for the future and am committed to continuing to fight for locally owned and operated pharmacy owners who know their local community better than anyone. I have never been more confident that we are better together as a group of independents, rather than trying to go at it alone.

Finally, thank you. I am grateful and humbled for you being a member of Pharmacy Alliance and allowing us to add value to your pharmacy.

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Posted on January 25, 2022January 26, 2022

Happy Australia Day 2022

OUR PHARMACISTS ARE PART OF AUSTRALIA’S STORY

Australia Day is about reflecting on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia and to acknowledge our history. This year Australia Day focuses on the Story of Australia – the story of an extraordinary nation and its people.

We want to thank our pharmacists for all they have done for their communities throughout the pandemic. With the year starting Omicron variant spreading it hasn’t been the start that Australians have been hoping for, but our pharmacists and pharmacy assistants will be there for their communities through the ups and the downs of 2022.

We’ve asked two of our pharmacists to tell their reflections on the last year and what they are looking forward to in 2022.

“My pharmacy is in Old Bar a beautiful town with a population of roughly 5000 people in a tight-knit community. When we had bushfires and floods, all of the people come together. That’s the Australian spirit – mateship.“

Akash Mehta

Pharmacist In Charge

Old Bar Pharmacy

Old Bar, New South Wales

“2021 was a pretty dramatic year for us. Like everyone else, we have dealt with the threat of lockdowns, stock shortages, and panic buying. I’m really proud of our team and how we have managed to hold it all together.”

Campbell Gradon

Pharmacist In Charge

Alliance Pharmacy

Baragara, Queensland

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Posted on December 14, 2021December 14, 2021

InternLab Intern of the Year 2021.

INTERNLAB INTERN OF THE YEAR 2021

YI-HSIEN (DEBORAH) CHEN

SAMIOS PHARMACY – SUNNYBANK HILLS, QLD

What was your experience of InternLab?

Internlab was a great resource that helped keep my studies on track throughout the year amidst the busy schedule of an intern. It can be quite hard to find time to sit down and study, so attending the monthly webinars served as a helpful review of all the topics covered throughout the year. They provided the starting points of the basic gaps in knowledge that would need to be reviewed for various topics that I may find myself unfamiliar with. The exam resources in particular were invaluable for my preparations of the exam. They not only helped promote confidence, but also helped gain a clearer understanding for the expectations of the exam.

What advice would you offer to other interns?

For general internship: Try to learn as much around the pharmacy as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to admit if you don’t know something: there is no shame in learning. However, most of all: take care of your mental health. Take time to do the things that make you happy, because a healthy mind leads to a healthier attitude. Feeling stressed or pressured is inevitable, but what’s important is not letting it get to a harmful state. If you need help or support or just people to talk to, seek it.

With regards to exams: Study smart, not hard. Trying to become a walking drug database by reading and writing out an entire encyclopedia will only lead to burnout, fatigue, and demotivation. It is better to begin with a rough review of everything you’ll need to know – then spend as much time doing practice exams as you can. Practice exams have done more for me than the time I spent reviewing all my textbooks. The oral exam practices helped test and identify gaps in knowledge for further review, as well as give a good idea of the amount of information expected of you. The more mock exams you expose yourself with, the more confident you will be – and you may even find that the actual exam contain questions very similar to a practice exam you already did. Similarly with the written exam practices, it helps with not only keeping track of time, but also your ability to find the answers needed quickly in the textbooks if needed.

What part of pharmacy are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about research in pharmacy. Although data collection, analysis and write-ups can sound like tedious work – the fulfillment of contributing to what we know, or think we know about our practices today makes it all worth it. Being a part of the catalyst to strive for better patient care in our practices is an honour to be in. As this role would naturally develop my experiences and knowledge professionally – I wouldn’t need to fear complacency or stagnation in my professional growth.

How do you see yourself in the future as a leader in pharmacy?

I see myself as a future leader in pharmacy through mentoring others in my usual day to day job. Be it mentoring students, advising patients, or even fellow healthcare professionals. I aim to expand my professional experiences and expertise so that I can contribute back to the community around me with the utmost competency.

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Posted on November 19, 2021November 19, 2021

The Future Of Retail Training Is Here

Our very own Pharmacy Alliance Training Hub app has arrived to support Pharmacy Assistants. It will change the way you think about training, letting your staff build the relevant skills and knowledge to succeed in their roles.

This exciting new Training Hub is a highly engaging, mobile, micro-learning platform designed to facilitate up-skilling and knowledge retention. The app is designed to engage your staff with short and fun training modules based off our Retail Calendar. These modules will boost customer service, assist floor set up and increase basket size with companion product knowledge.

The training modules are developed inline with the monthly retail activity, and provide:

Expert training to drive results for your pharmacy
Improved knowledge retention for pharmacy staff by up to 50%
Reward-based incentives to motivate staff
Training to meet QCPP requirements
Low monthly fee for high quality, accessible training

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