Queensland community pharmacists were recognised for their contributions to communities across the state at the annual Parliamentary Reception held on 12 October.
Hosted by the Queensland Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the event was attended by all sides of politics, including Deputy Premier Hon. Steven Miles MP, Minister for Health for Health and Ambulance Services, Hon. Yvette D’Ath MP, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli MP and Katter Australia Party leader, Robbie Katter MP.
Along with recognising the contribution that Queensland community pharmacists have made across the state, particularly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen says another highlight was presenting the President Awards to individuals and pharmacies who have been standouts over the past 12 months.
“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.
“The success of the UTI Pilot is a great start in the journey of community pharmacists practising to their full scope.
“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,” he said.
Award recipients
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 by providing advice and guidance to members with regard to industrial relations.
“Tina has adopted the true spirit of a membership organisation. Her infectious determination and passion for our members are 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,” Mr Owen said.
Mr Owen continued: “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,” he said.
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,” Mr Owen said.
- 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.
50-year life members
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,” Mr Owen said.
