With the theme “Think Pharmacy First - accessible, affordable healthcare”, the event was a fantastic opportunity for the Tasmanian Branch of the Guild to highlight local community pharmacy as the leading health care destination in the state – particularly in more regional and rural areas, where other healthcare options may be slim.
Members of the Tasmanian Branch Committee, ably supported by Branch Director Chris Edwards and Business Development Manager Philip Mione, engaged with hundreds of patrons to talk all things community pharmacy and proudly promote the important place pharmacy has in the healthcare system. By highlighting the breadth of healthcare services community pharmacies now provide, the Branch raised awareness of future scope of practice expansions.
The Guild also worked closely with Asthma Australia to maximise the opportunities to increase asthma awareness with adults and children. Having community pharmacists at the stall meant patrons were able to seek high quality advice on asthma treatment and care, including the correct use of inhalers to achieve better health outcomes for them or their loved ones.
Feedback from patrons was very positive, and many members of the public took the opportunity to stop by and ask questions – and pick up some Glucojels!
Every year Agfest is organised by Rural Youth volunteers aged between 15 and 30 years. The event is well-attended by these age groups, making it an excellent opportunity for the Tasmanian Branch to highlight what rewarding careers in community pharmacy can look like – whether as a pharmacist, pharmacy assistant or dispense technician. Thank you to Gold Cross, the Tasmanian Branch’s official confectionary Partner for Agfest, and to Asthma Australia who supplied spacers and information resources. We look forward to being back bigger and better next year!
