25/10/2018
New pharmacy service at MDAS
Clients of MDAS Health at Mildura are benefitting from a national initiative to improve the way everyday medications are used.
As part of a plan to embed 22 pharmacists in Aboriginal community-controlled health services across Australia, experienced pharmacist Kerryn Woodward is now based at Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) in Mildura.
“We’re fortunate to have Kerryn’s expertise and advice and she is already providing important guidance and information to other clinical staff and community members,” MDAS Allied Health Coordinator Crystal Kirby said.
Kerryn’s role is to provide community pharmacist advice in a culturally-appropriate way.
She’s been trained as part of the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to improve Chronic Disease Management (IPAC) project, being rolled out by James Cook University, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
Kerryn has more than six years’ experience as a community pharmacist and is excited about her new role.
“I believe my role is extremely important to both the members of the Mildura Aboriginal community and to other members of the health services here at MDAS,” Kerryn said.
“I provide a free service and there’s no limitations on how often someone can talk to me,” she said.
“I understand that sometimes it can be challenging to talk to your doctor, or to the pharmacist when you have your prescriptions filled, so that’s where I can be a major benefit.
“You can speak to me before or after consulting with your doctor to gain full understanding of the medication you’ve been prescribed and I can answer any queries you may have.”
Kerryn’s role is an important one as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a much higher burden of chronic disease but have poorer access to required medicines.
“The adverse health outcomes from many illnesses are preventable if prescribing quality is improved, and patients are better supported to understand how to best use their medicines,” Kerryn explained.
To make an appointment to see Kerryn, people have to be over 18 years of age and have one or more of the following conditions: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or another chronic conditions that is regarded as being a high risk of developing problems.
People can make an appointment to see Kerryn by contacting MDAS on 5018 4100.
Pictured are pharmacist Kerryn Woodward and MDAS Allied Health Coordinator Crystal Kirby