“In years to come, as a profession, we’re going to look back on this pandemic and know we contributed in a positive way”.
That’s the uplifting sentiment of Newcastle pharmacist Gabrielle Davern, whose hard-working team at Amcal Waratah Village has gone “above and beyond” to supply COVID-19 vaccinations in the community.
It an attempt to provide specialised healthcare, under any circumstance, the staff extended its business hours to offer before and after-hour inoculations, walk-in jabs and even employed someone to transport free deliveries to locals in lockdown.
Over the past month or so, the pharmacy has administered 700 vaccinations as part of the national roll-out.
It’s an impressive number, which highlights Amcal Waratah’s dedication to assist those in need.
“As pharmacists, and service providers, it’s our obligation,” Ms Davern said.
“If we’re not going to do it, and make it accessible for the community, then who is?
“It is hard enough to see a doctor, let alone book an appointment to obtain a vaccine.
“The Belmont hub is just crazy; no-one can get in.
“The general public, by that I mean everyday people living locally, were experiencing extreme difficulty to access this essential vaccine.
“So, what better way to do it than just walk into your local pharmacy – and get it?
“It really was a no-brainer for us.”
Ms Davern admitted the Amcal Waratah employees jumped at the chance to lend a hand, too.
“It was my business partner’s (Wanho Noh) idea to open up on a day before and after regular hours – additional times – to service the residents,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“That would allow us to cater for shift workers, or those going on their morning walk, or returning home from work late at night.
“We’d vaccinate them to suit their individual agendas.
“The reaction’s been really positive.
“For example, the university [of Newcastle] is quite close here, so when they had that outbreak, it was on the eve of us receiving the vaccine.
“So, we put up a post on social media – and people shared it.
“They were the first to take up the vaccine; all these uni students and 20-year-olds.
“Residents have been quite thankful that we’ve provided the service so efficiently and conveniently.
“It meant they didn’t have to drive out to Belmont, which is almost 40 minutes from here.
“Don’t get me wrong, appointments are good.
“However, I think the fact it was a ‘walk-in’ and accessible – vaccinating in the moment, as I call it – helped lift the rate in the area as well.”
But, Ms Davern’s final words were directed towards her selfless personnel.
“I’m just very proud of the team – nothing was too much for them,” she said.
“We’ve had to pull together really quickly our work-flow and adapt to new systems.
“Programs we’ve never used before and booking tools to try and get it [this initiative] off the ground in a short space of time.
“It’s terrific to feel as though we’re part of the solution of getting out of this [pandemic].”
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