Pharmacy assistant Bridgette Atkinson from Babinda Pharmacy has been chosen to represent Queensland at the National Finals of the 2019 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/ Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award (PATY).
Now in its 13th year, PATY is the premier award for Australian pharmacy assistants, recognising and celebrating the ‘best of the best’ in community pharmacy.
Judges picked Bridgette from 20 other State Finalists at the Queensland workshop last Friday where each participant demonstrated their pharmacy knowledge, and showcased their skills in customer service and leadership.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s acting National President, Professor Trent Twomey congratulated Bridgette for her valuable contribution to community pharmacy in Australia.
“This prestigious award was created to recognise pharmacy assistants who go the extra mile to help their customers and are proactive in developing their own careers,” Professor Twomey said.
“The calibre of PATY nominees is always extremely high, and each candidate displays a strong commitment to their work and the industry which I am extremely impressed with.
“I congratulate Bridgette for standing out as Queensland’s top pharmacy assistant.
“Bridgette’s strong commitment to her role encourages other pharmacy assistants to strive for success and actively contribute to the community pharmacy industry.”
Bridgette was honoured to be selected as the Queensland State Winner.
“It feels amazing to be the Queensland State Winner! It’s been an unreal experience so far. I’ve enjoyed networking and getting to know people including the other State Finalists, and the workshop was very informative,” Bridgette said.
The Queensland winner of the Glucojel Super Star Award was also announced at the workshop.
“I would like to acknowledge Katie Godwin from Amcal Pharmacy Caboolture for being granted the Glucojel Super Star Award for outstanding customer service skills in community pharmacy,” Professor Twomey said.
PATY major sponsor AFT Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd’s General Manager (Aust), Calvin MacKenzie said they are excited to once again be supporting the successful futures of pharmacy assistants across Australia.
“AFT Pharmaceuticals is very honoured to support PATY once again. Over the past three years, we have had the pleasure of supporting pharmacy assistants in their careers through PATY, and the calibre of nominees is always extremely high,” Mr MacKenzie said.
“This is a great indication of the outstanding contribution that pharmacy assistants make in our communities every day.
“Congratulations to Bridgette for her achievement as the State Winner. I am certain she will represent Babinda Pharmacy and Queensland with great pride.”
Bridgette will represent Queensland at the National Finals to be held at the 2019 Pharmacy Assistant National Conference on 12 October in Brisbane. The National Winner will take home over $10,000 in prizes, including cash, a training package, educational conferences and other great rewards.
Queensland Glucojel Super Star Award winner, Katie Godwin will be in the running for the Glucojel Super Star National title, also awarded at the 2019 Pharmacy Assistant National Conference.
