Brianne Lowe from HealthSAVE Pharmacy Charlestown in New South Wales has been announced as the 2019 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/ Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY).
Brianne was chosen from over 700 nominations across Australia and was awarded the title at the annual Pharmacy Assistant National Conference in Brisbane on Saturday.
“I’m a bit emotional – I wasn’t expecting to win! I feel really empowered. This has been by far the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my career,” Brianne said.
“I can’t put into words how amazing this opportunity is to all of us PATY Finalists and what it means. The opportunity to work with such amazing people, and to learn and grow has been amazing.
“If you’re a pharmacy assistant and you want to get involved with PATY, just do it. We’re waiting to meet you and hear from you. I’m looking forward to working with everyone over the next year as the 2019 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year!”
The Runner Up of the Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award was awarded to Kane Forbes from Casterton Pharmacy in Victoria.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President, George Tambassis said the PATY Award reinforces and celebrates the important role pharmacy assistants play in community pharmacies across Australia.
“The work of pharmacy assistants is integral to ensuring community pharmacies are patient-focused health care providers,” Mr Tambassis said.
“With over 453 million patient visits every year, pharmacy assistants are one of the biggest contributing factors to why pharmacies enjoy such high levels of community support and customer satisfaction.
“PATY recognises and celebrates the passion and commitment of pharmacy assistants in the success of community pharmacies across Australia.”
Mr Tambassis congratulated Brianne for her demonstrated knowledge and passion to community pharmacy.
“Brianne has displayed a strong commitment to her work and the pharmacy industry, and her continued motivation to improve the customer experience was outstanding,” Mr Tambassis said.
“On behalf of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, I would like to congratulate Brianne on being awarded the prestigious title of 2019 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year.”
The National Winner of the Glucojel Super Star Award was also announced at the conference, recognising PATY Finalists with outstanding customer service.
Katie Godwin from Amcal Pharmacy Caboolture in Queensland was awarded the 2019 National Glucojel Super Star Award.
“It’s very surreal to win this Award! All my hard work has gone into something that I really care about and it’s paid off,” Katie said.
“It’s fantastic to know that everything that I do every day makes a difference.”
PATY major sponsor AFT Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd’s General Manager (Aust), Calvin MacKenzie said they are proud to partner with the Guild to recognise and reward pharmacy assistants across Australia.
“AFT Pharmaceuticals is committed to supporting and acknowledging the vital role pharmacy assistants play within community pharmacies,” Mr MacKenzie said.
“It’s inspiring to learn about the contributions of pharmacy assistants who are so dedicated, innovative and committed to making a real difference in their pharmacies by putting patients first.
“I commend all participants for the achievements and important contributions that they have made to patients and the community pharmacy sector. Congratulations to Brianne on the outstanding achievement of being named the National Winner.”
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/ Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award is the premier award for pharmacy assistants in Australia. Support from the industry and sponsors is vital in ensuring that pharmacy assistants across Australia continue to be acknowledged, honoured and celebrated.
As the 2019 National Pharmacy Assistant of the Year, Brianne will be awarded with over $10,000 in cash, prizes and educational opportunities.
