Pharmacists dish out extra doses of hope
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The LiveLife team joined millions of pharmacists across the globe to celebrate World Pharmacists Day on the 25 September with the theme ‘always trusted for your health’ recognising the significant impact pharmacists continue to have on our communities, especially through COVID-19.
Based on the Sunshine Coast, with 32 LiveLife Pharmacies located across Queensland, LiveLife Pharmacy CEO and Co-Founder, Clint Coker, has seen first-hand how challenged and traumatised customers have been over the past 18 months.
“As pharmacists, we’re the most accessible healthcare provider in many parts of the world, so throughout the pandemic it has been crucial that we retain the public’s trust and provide the expertise they need through these times of uncertainty,” Mr Coker said.
Over the past 12 months, the independent pharmaceutical group has seen an average customer increase of 12 per cent, across all of its pharmacies.
“We see more than 100,000 people each month across the network and we have more than 30,000 active LiveLife Rewards members on the Sunshine Coast alone,” Mr Coker said.
In the wake of the pandemic, LiveLife is celebrating World Pharmacists Day by inviting customers to their local store for a cuppa and a catch up.
“Social isolation and loneliness have been major issues throughout the COVID-19 crisis, so while Queenslanders have the freedom to gather outside their homes, we wanted to invite everyone, whether they’re a regular customer or not, into our stores if not to put their script in, then just to say hello,” Mr Coker said.
According to data released by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), pharmacists rank among the top five most trusted professionals, governing this years’ theme – ‘always trusted for your health’.
“FIP is the global body who represent more than 4 million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, their vision is to create a world where everyone benefits from access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines and that’s something that LiveLife aims to achieve in all the communities we serve,” Mr Coker said.
Peter Ashenden has been a pharmacist with LiveLife since 2005 and said the difference he and his colleagues make in their communities is vital.
“We build up a significant level of trust with our customers by caring, forming positive relationships and consistently delivering information and advice they need,” Mr Ashenden said.
“There’s a significant association between trust in healthcare professionals and health outcomes for patients, so I’m really looking forward to seeing fresh faces in our stores in celebration of World Pharmacists Day.”
