Dubbo pharmacist Tony Winmill is a professional but he has always wanted those trying to become or stay well to feel comfortable having “a chat” to him.
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His philosophy behind providing health care and more has been recognised this month with Orana Mall Pharmacy’s official nomination as a finalist in the prestigious National Pharmacy of the Year Award 2011.
Short listed against 10 pharmacies across Australia, Orana Mall Pharmacy was applauded for its recent introduction of the automated dispensing machine - CONSIS, its professional support services to customers and its tireless support to local charities.
The 13-year search for the highest standards of quality is run by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the national peak body representing community pharmacy.
Orana Mall Pharmacy was nominated last year and business manager Trish Crisante said that was an achievement in itself.
“We are elated to be competing in the top 0.2 per cent of the country’s pharmacies for this award,” she said.
“The future of pharmacy will see us play an even bigger role in supporting medical services, especially in regional centres where medical services are under considerable pressure.”
Mr Winmill, the pharmacist-in-charge of the Dubbo store, was gearing up for changes in the health industry that he predicted would give his profession a greater role.
“Community pharmacy is on the cusp of change with recent federal government and NSW opposition announcements in the past few days focused on pharmacists playing a pivotal role in addressing community health care issues,” he said.
“This bodes well for Orana Mall Pharmacy as we have been working towards an integrated system assisting primary healthcare for some time now.”
An example of this would be in diabetes management where a patient in the future may pay more visits to their pharmacist, who would be working more closely with the doctor.
Although he had his eye on the future, Mr Winmill wanted to retain the value from the past and recalled earlier experiences.
“When I was growing up our pharmacy in Dubbo used to be Bill Morgan’s, we had an account there and I’d go in with my Dad and it was friendly,” he said.
“They were providing health care but at a personal level.
“Orana Mall Pharmacy is a different pharmacy but we still try to maintain that intimacy for customers, making sure they’re all happy with the service and enjoy coming here.”
The employer of 45 staff has donated time and money in supporting charities including Meals On Wheels, the Australian Red Cross Blood Bank, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Dubbo Base Hospital children’s ward and the Midnite Café.
