Posts

IPN Community Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award 2015

/0 Comments/in , , , , ,
Caroline Foster pictured with Mr. Jurgen Werner, Merck receiving her IPN Award Nomination

Caroline Foster pictured with Mr. Jurgen Werner, Merck receiving her IPN Award Nomination

We are overjoyed and indescribably proud to announce that Carrigtwohill Pharmacy technician Caroline Foster has been nominated for the IPN Community Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award 2015.

This nomination is an immense honour, as the awards recognise the very best individuals who demonstrate continued excellence in their field of expertise within the pharmacy profession and aims to highlight outstanding contributions in Irish Pharmacy. Past winners of this award have been profession leading and of the highest caliber, and Caroline belongs in their company.

The criteria to be considered for the award were to identify a technician who demonstrates the promotion of the role of the Pharmacy Technician and who continues to champion excellence through forward thinking and innovation. The winners’ achievements should be an inspiration to those pursuing innovative practice; to those striving to raise standards; and to pharmacists who, through their professionalism, provide models for others within pharmacy. Caroline embodies all these skills and characteristics, but to our pharmacy she means so much more.

Ger has worked with Caroline for over 13 years and has witnessed first hand the immense contribution she makes to Carrigtwohill Pharmacy and the technician profession. On hearing that Caroline was one of the nominee’s for this prestigious award, the team asked him to tell us a little of his experience working with Caroline and why he believes she deserves this award so much. This is what Ger had to say;

“Caroline has worked with me in Carrigtwohill Pharmacy longer than she would probably care to remember. In that time she has been loyal, professional, caring and constantly goes beyond what is expected of her within her role. I don’t hesitate to say that she has been a driving force within the Pharmacy and has has been instrumental in it’s growth and success.. Without her, it wouldn’t be where it is today. Of that I have no doubt. For many pharmacies the pharmacist tends to be the figurehead and most people will ask to talk to them first. With Caroline as part of our team, I can say that this isn’t true for Carrigtwohill Pharmacy. I can honestly say that as a technician, Caroline represents her profession to the utmost. The number of people both over the counter and within the nursing home element of our business who will ask for her directly is incredible and is a testament to her dedication and passion for the profession. Caroline is modest, seeking no external praise or admiration. As such she will always refer and has no desire to take the place of the pharmacist, but quietly performs her role beyond all levels of expectation. However the positive role she plays never goes unnoticed. She is an incredible resource to have for my pharmacy. In short if I were to describe the ideal technician I would just write the words Caroline Foster”

As a pharmacy we strive to be an integral part of the community. The health and welfare of our customers is our paramount concern and we strive to promote and protect it, while delivering exceptional customer service and care. Caroline embodies this philosophy and leads by example, doing everything possible to ensure our customers receive the greatest care and attention. Caroline is an integral part of our pharmacy family, offering support, help and guidance to all of us whenever we need it. She is dedicated to improving every aspect of our family pharmacy and works tirelessly to achieve it. From working alongside of her, all the team agree that it is clear that Caroline is motivated by a desire to help people and to do so to the highest possible standard.

From all the team at Carrigtwohill Pharmacy we would like to offer the biggest congratulations possible to Caroline. We can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more. We are all rooting for you. Make sure to say hello to Caroline if you see her in the pharmacy and say a well done!

Social Media Rosette - Technician Caroline Foster, Carrigtwohill

Pharmacists Call for Action on Heart Disease – Ireland’s Number 1 Killer

/0 Comments/in

Heart Attack Image

With over 10,000 people dying from heart disease each year, Carrigtwohill Pharmacy supports the Irish Pharmacy Union’s stance that a national cardiovascular screening service is urgently needed. We have vast experience on the real threat this poses to our communities health and we are committed to taking an active role in educating, advising and treating all our customers to the highest standard of care.

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is calling on the Government to introduce a National Cardiovascular Screening Service through community pharmacies. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in Ireland, with approximately 10,000 people dying from it each year. Almost one in five people will develop heart failure at some point in their lives, but almost two-thirds are unaware of the risk.

Pharmacist Bernard Duggan said, “The introduction of this service through pharmacies could directly reduce the number of deaths from heart disease each year in Ireland. The average community pharmacy is open 50% longer than GP clinics, which increases the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of providing such a service for patients.

“We are calling on the Government to introduce a national screening service to support patients who may be at risk of developing CVD. The delivery of this service through pharmacies will not only save lives but will save money by reducing the need for expensive hospital care for those who are struck down with heart disease.”

Pharmacists are also available to assist patients who are on heart medication.

“There are a large number of different medicines for heart disease, depending on your situation. There are different guidelines for these medicines; some are better taken after food or at night. For examples, it is advisable to avoid grapefruit when on heart medications. Different medicines will have different side effects, so ask your pharmacist if you have any side effects or have any questions about the medicines you are taking,” Mr Duggan concluded.

 

If anyone has any questions relating to heart disease, it’s symptoms and what can be done to reduce the risk, please call into us here at Carrigtwohill Pharmacy. We are dedicated to our community and working to promote the health and well-being of our loyal customers. We are here to help. We are your community pharmacy.

 

Irish Pharmacy Union issue warning to parents on health risks when giving medicines to children

/0 Comments/in

Safety First

16 June 2014: Pharmacists today highlighted the need for parents to be extremely careful about giving medicine to children and to always seek the advice of their pharmacist first to determine the correct medicine and the correct dose appropriate to their child’s age and symptoms. Pharmacists are warning never to give a child a medicine that is meant for an adult and never give a child two types of medications which contain the same ingredients to avoid a possible overdose or dangerous interaction. Pharmacists also warned about the dangers of providing medicines to young children in order to sedate them during long journeys or get them to sleep at night.

Bernard Duggan, Pharmacist and Honorary Treasurer of the IPU, said, “It is important to ensure the safe use of both over-the-counter and prescription medicines as some medicines are only suitable for adults and not for children. Medicine dosages for children should be adjusted according to the age and weight of the child. Too little medication can be ineffective and too much medication can be harmful. Also, different medications have different concentrations of ingredients. The best approach is to ask your pharmacist first for advice.”

The following advice is a guideline for parents when giving medicine to a child:
• Do not use medicines to put children to sleep during long journeys or at night.
• Be sure you are giving the right medicine and the right amount. Check with your pharmacist first.
• Read and follow the directions on the label. Never give the medicine more frequently than recommended by your pharmacist or doctor.
• Always use a 5ml spoon or dosage syringe provided with the medication. Never guess the dose.
• Follow age and weight limit recommendations. If the label says don’t give to children under a certain age or weight, don’t do it.
• Make sure the child takes all of the medicine each time it is given.
• Check with the pharmacist first before chilling or crushing medicine as this could alter the effectiveness of some medicines.
• Do not give aspirin to children under 16, unless it is specifically prescribed by a doctor.
• Store medicines in a cool dry place and well out of the reach of children, preferably in a safe location.

Parents are also advised to always inform their pharmacist if their child has any allergies or is taking any other medication.

“If a parent notices any adverse side effects having given their child medication (other than that outlined by their pharmacist) such as a rash, hives, vomiting or diarrhoea or has trouble breathing or swallowing, they should seek immediate medical assistance,”concluded Mr Duggan.

Article Via IPU