A Sunshine Coast pharmacist has been recognised for expanding local healthcare services and helping vulnerable patients maintain access to treatment.
Sean Fitzpatrick was named Queensland Community Pharmacist of the Year after transforming Complete Care Pharmacy Landsborough.
Mr Fitzpatrick led the expansion the pharmacy, doubling its footprint, constructing four consultation rooms and redesigning the pharmacy around clinical services and patient care, during the past year.
The pharmacy now has four full-scope pharmacists providing expanded services to the Landsborough community, including Mr Fitzpatrick, his father and a junior pharmacist.
Mr Fitzpatrick was also recognised for helping opioid treatment patients maintain continuity of care following the retirement of a local doctor, working with alcohol and other drug services and prescribers during a difficult transition.
He said the state award recognised a team effort.
“We wanted to build a pharmacy that gives people in our region better access to professional, timely healthcare close to home,” he said.
“The redevelopment was not simply about creating a bigger pharmacy. It was about creating the right environment for pharmacists to spend more time with patients and provide a broader range of care.
“I’m enormously proud of our team for embracing that change and of the trust our community has placed in us.”
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Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland branch president Chris Owen said Sean had shown vision, courage and determination.
“Sean has invested in facilities, technology and the skills of his team so patients can receive more care from highly trained pharmacists in a professional and accessible setting,” he said.
“His work supporting opioid treatment patients also demonstrates why local, community embedded healthcare professionals are so important. When patients faced disruption, Sean worked with other providers to help preserve continuity of care.”
Mr Fitzpatrick will now represent Queensland in the National Pharmacy Awards, conducted annually by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, at the Australasian Pharmacy Professional Conference on the Gold Coast in March.
The National Pharmacy Awards celebrate excellence in community pharmacy, recognising the individuals and teams who are improving patient care, demonstrating leadership and helping shape the future of the profession. The awards highlight the extraordinary contribution community pharmacies, and their teams make to the health of Australians every day and showcase innovation, compassion and commitment across the sector.
