Most Outstanding Community Pharmacist

Beechworth pharmacist Ruth Parker has been named the 2022 Most Outstanding Community Pharmacist.

The award, presented by the Australian Patients Association and sponsored by the Pharmacy Guild, is part of the APA’s Health Industry Awards which also recognise Most Outstanding GP, Most Outstanding Hospital, Most Outstanding Health Reporter and Most Outstanding Patient Innovation.

National President of the Pharmacy Guild Professor Trent Twomey congratulated Ms Parker on her award and said her achievement reflected the great work she and other community pharmacists did, and continue to do, during the pandemic.

“They stayed open, they were there for their patients every day. They couldn’t work from home, they couldn’t use telehealth. Instead they opened every day and looked after their patients,” he said.

“Pharmacies like Ruth’s went above and beyond and the fact she has received this award after being nominated by some many of her patients is recognition that the community values what pharmacies are doing.

“Community pharmacies and their staff are always there, always caring.”

Ms Parker said she was honoured to receive the award but it was really one for all the staff at PharmaSave Beechworth Pharmacy.

“The whole staff worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and still do. It hasn't been easy but they have never stopped looking after their community. I am so proud of all of them. Their commitment has been amazing,” she said.

“I believe in a holistic approach to health and the pharmacy reflects this and we offer a range of services to our patients.”

Ms Parker graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Pharmacy in 1997.  She also has a Graduate Certificate in Applied Mindfulness.

A passionate owner of the Beechworth Pharmacy for the past 18 years, she said she enjoys getting to know her patients from babies through to the elderly.

She is a qualified consultant pharmacist, enabling her to visit clients in their home environment and form closer connections.

Throughout the pandemic, it became evident to Ms Parker that it was important to support the community by establishing a vaccination service and making the pharmacy a central health hub.

Having also recognised that patients are keen to access a diverse range of services at the pharmacy, She has embarked on a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) to be able to offer both pharmaceutical and natural medicine to improve health outcomes.

As part of her preventive and holistic values, she ris training as a local pain educator with the Pain Revolution group.

Her experience with chronic pain from a stroke in 2012, provides the motivation to give back to her community by helping to educate others on how to manage and live with pain.

The pharmacy also supports the community through various sponsorship grants for preventive health promotion initiatives.

General Manager of the Australian Patients Association Jas Streten said community pharmacists continued to provide pivotal primary care to Australians, and this role had been highlighted by their work during COVID-19.

“The comments from the many people who nominated Ms Parker for the award show how important she and all community pharmacists have been, not only during the pandemic, but in meeting everyday health needs.

“Patients nominating community pharmacists is a way of recognising the time, effort and contribution each of them makes to people’s day-to day health and quality of life.

“This year we saw a record number of nominations and with inflation soaring and the cost of living rising, 1 in 5 people are finding prescription medicines unaffordable. As a result, people are either delaying or not able to afford their prescription.  Community Pharmacists are at the forefront helping those in need.”