Last night The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, held its annual Parliamentary Reception that was attended by all sides of politics, including Deputy Premier Hon. Steven Miles MP, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Hon. Yvette D'Ath MP, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli MP and Katter Australia Party leader, Mr. Robbie Katter MP.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President, Mr. Chris Owen, said the highlights of the evening were recognising the contribution community pharmacists make across the state on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic; and presenting the President Awards to individuals and pharmacies who were stand outs during the past 12 months.
"It was fantastic to hear from both the Minister and the Opposition Leader as they outlined their support for community pharmacists and the important role community pharmacy plays in the Queensland healthcare system," said Mr. Owen.
"The major accomplishment of the year is the safe and successful UTI Pilot, now a permanent health service in Queensland community pharmacies, which is a big win for women delivered by the Palaszczuk Labor Government," Mr. Owen said.
"This decision by the government means that Queensland women will no longer have to wait for weeks or go to the emergency department for treatment because they can't get in to see a GP," said Mr. Owen.
"The success of the UTI Pilot is a great start in the journey of community pharmacists practicing to their full scope", said Mr. Owen,
Importantly for patients, all sides of politics reiterated their support for the North Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, giving patients the comfort of knowing that greater access to primary healthcare services is just around the corner," said Mr. Owen.
Mr. Owen paid tribute to Tina Scrine, Luise Fitton, and five Queensland community pharmacies who were recipients of the prestigious Queensland Branch President's Award.
The Award is the highest honour that The Pharmacy Guild of Australia's Queensland Branch President can bestow and is designed to recognise outstanding achievements and exceptional individuals for their contribution to community pharmacy.
"Tina Scrine is the Industrial Relations Manager at the Queensland Branch and has dedicated 20 years of service to the Guild and community pharmacy through providing advice and guidance to Members with regards to industrial relations. Tina has adopted the true spirit of a membership organisation. Her infectious determination and passion for our members is second to none. This support, especially in the constantly changing environment of the COVID-19 pandemic during the past 2.5 years, has been vital to our members," said Mr. Owen.
"Luise Fitton is a pharmacist and pharmacy manager at TerryWhite Chemmart Brookside. Luise went above and beyond for patients and pharmacy staff, and exemplified service at a local level during the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. She ensured patient's needs were met, helped coordinate vaccine supply between different pharmacies and kept the Queensland Branch informed about vaccine stocks," said Mr. Owen.
Mr. Owen singled out five community pharmacies that administered the highest number of COVID-19 vaccination to patients across Queensland.
"While every community pharmacy taking part in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout played an important role in protecting Queenslanders, these five pharmacies in particular stood out," said Mr. Owen.
- Cincotta Discount Chemist Indooroopilly; Mark Cawood
- Terry White Chemists Victoria Point; Kenny Ji Hei Wong
- TerryWhite Chemmart Arana Hills; Karen Brown and Rodney Garozzo
- TerryWhite Chemmart Cairns Central; Brendon Reck
- Priceline Pharmacy Kippa-Ring; Andrew Twist and Matilda Twist
Three 50-year life members were also recognised on the night by Mr. Owen for their commitment to the community pharmacy and the Queensland Branch.
- Dinah Fraser at Wandoan Pharmacy – joined 04/09/1972
- Mario Barbagallo at Mooloolaba Beach Pharmacy – joined 02/05/1973
- Stathis Efstathis OAM at Victoria Point Pharmacy – joined 28/02/1971
"Once again, community pharmacy has demonstrated pharmacists' important role within the primary healthcare network. This is true not only in how community pharmacy takes the pressure off the overburdened emergency departments but also as we are increasingly becoming the most accessible option for patients in accessing their health care needs," said Mr. Owen.
