Australia’s Top Pharmacy Assistant Named!

Natanya McLenaghan from Aspley Discount Drug Store in Queensland has been announced as the 2016 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/GuildSuper National Pharmacy Assistant of the Year.

Natanya was chosen from over 580 nominations and awarded the title at the annual Pharmacy Assistant National Conference on the Gold Coast on Friday.

“I’m feeling very honoured to be chosen as the Pharmacy Assistant of the Year,” Ms McLenaghan said.

“Being part of PATY is such an incredible experience. It’s such an amazing feeling to be recognised for all the hard work you’ve put into your store.

“The entire process has been hugely rewarding to be part of,” Ms McLenaghan said.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia Executive Director and National Judge, David Quilty said this award reinforces the importance of pharmacy assistants in community pharmacy across Australia.

“The work of pharmacy assistants is integral in ensuring that community pharmacies are patient-focused health care providers and successful, community-minded small businesses,” Mr Quilty said.

“With over 350 million patient visits every year, pharmacy assistants are very much the reason why pharmacies enjoy such high levels of public support and customer satisfaction.

“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,” Mr Quilty said.

Mr Quilty added that Natanya demonstrated a wide breadth of knowledge, passion, and commitment to community pharmacy.

“Natanya has displayed a strong commitment to her work and the pharmacy industry and her continued motivation to improve retail services and experiences was outstanding,” Mr Quilty said.

“On behalf of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, I would like to congratulate Natanya for receiving the prestigious, 2016 National Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award.

“As is the case every year, there was an exceptionally strong field of candidates from across Australia.  Natanya will join an inspiring alumni of past Pharmacy Assistant of the Year winners.

“The Guild commends the achievements and important contributions that all of the finalists have made to patients and the community pharmacy sector,” Mr Quilty said.

David Frost, Head of Customer Engagement at GuildSuper said that GuildSuper is delighted to sponsor an award that showcases the pivotal role pharmacy assistants perform within the industry.

“PATY is an ideal opportunity to place outstanding pharmacy assistants in the spotlight and recognise and reward their contribution to the pharmacy industry, employers, their colleagues, local community and regular customers,” Mr Frost said.

“GuildSuper’s dedication to helping our members afford the best possible life after work is a natural fit for the frontline staff who have made a career of helping customers live their lives to the fullest.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/GuildSuper Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award is the premier award for pharmacy assistants in Australia and has celebrated its tenth year in 2016.  Support from industry, sponsors and media partner, PostScript, is vital in ensuring that pharmacy assistants across Australia continue to be acknowledged, honoured and celebrated.

As the 2016 National Pharmacy Assistant of the Year, Natanya will be awarded with $5,000 cash, a Guild training course to the value of $5,100, an opportunity to write a monthly column in Postscript as well as other educational and networking opportunities throughout Australia.