Author
Helen Brown
(B.Pharm. MPS, AACPA, GradDipMedManPharm)
South Coastal Health & Community Services Board Member
Did you know that back in 1886, a pharmacist invented Coca Cola?
At that time, pharmacists (or apothecaries) prepared and dispensed all medicines and they only had to do a brief apprenticeship before being able to run their own shop.
Now, pharmacists go to university for 4 years before they are qualified to dispense and, whilst most medicines are made by industry nowadays, some are still created in the pharmacy.
Pharmacists are the medication specialist of the health care team. They know all about how medications affect the body, how the body affects medications and how different medicines may affect each other. They are relied upon to ensure that the right medicine is given to the right person and at the right dose.
Your community pharmacist is well placed to answer any questions you may have about your medicines and also about many symptoms you may be concerned about. They can also work with your doctor to determine if a medication you have been taking for many, many years, is still the best one for you.
Things can change over time and your pharmacist keeps up-to-date about new medications and also on changes to how guidelines now recommend to manage particular conditions. In order to help you and your doctor navigate all the relevant information, you can get a Medicine Review in your home with the pharmacist.
Pharmacists are highly educated about medicines and are a wealth of information for you about your health and how to most safely use any medications – including vitamins and minerals.
At South Coastal Health & Community Services we consider ourselves exceptionally fortunate to have a highly qualified pharmacist on our Board and as chair of the Clinical Governance SubCommittee. Helen’s expertise and dedication helps us deliver the best possible care to our clients.