Building your purpose in pharmacy: making a meaningful difference

After more than 20 years in the pharmacy industry across Ireland and Australia, including 16 years with Blooms The Chemist, Australia’s leading community pharmacy network, I have witnessed the evolving expectation from consumers and the public that businesses, including pharmacies, be part of the movement to solve global societal and environmental problems.

For several years, Blooms The Chemist has been on an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) journey.

Recognising that the responsibility for making a positive impact on people and the planet extends beyond governments alone, we, as a pharmacy network, take great pride in our culture and unwavering commitment to doing better. Embracing the challenge, we have wholeheartedly committed ourselves to making a meaningful difference across the key tenets of ESG.

We also recognise that we cannot do this alone. That the pharmacy industry is in an important position to enhance both the health and wellbeing of our global community and the world in which we live. For some years, we’ve been inviting Pharmacists, pharmacy groups and the industry as a whole to join us in this movement for change.

To help you maximise your contribution and be part of a better future, Blooms The Chemist created a six-step guide that outlines key factors to consider when embarking on your own ESG journey.


“The pharmacy industry is in an important position to enhance both the health and wellbeing of our global community and the world in which we live.”

01 Understand your purpose

There is a strong connection between personal purpose and profession. Define what motivates you, beyond making money, and what contributes to your intrinsic sense of fulfilment.

Look inwards and think about what you stand for. This will help you understand the things that matter most to you. Once your personal purpose has been reflected upon, consider what the purpose of your business might be – why does your pharmacy exist, beyond the products and services it offers?

Once your personal purpose has been reflected upon, consider what the purpose of your business might be – why does your pharmacy exist, beyond the products and services it offers?

02 Understand your people

As a pharmacy, the people that you influence include your customers, your team and your community. Take the time to deepen your connection with these groups and understand what they need from their local pharmacy.

Take time to talk to your customers to better understand how well you are meeting their needs.

Your team reflect you and your business. Help your team understand your role in the community and give them a sense of purpose when they come to work

03 Consider how you can make your customers’ lives easier

The role of pharmacy continues to grow. Think about what your pharmacy offers customers, outside the usual scope and healthcare services. What other opportunities can you provide to make customers’ lives easier?

Look at the needs of your local community and understand what is required of your business to be seen as a true community hub.

04 Sustainability: consider your environmental impact

Acknowledge the role your pharmacy plays in the climate crisis. You have the power to reduce your environmental impact.

Small steps make a difference over time. Look at partnerships with recycling companies that can join a movement to dispose of pharmacy waste. In NSW alone, plastic packaging and single-use plastic items make up 60 per cent of all litter. It is how we dispose of and create a second life for products that have otherwise been viewed as ‘single use’ that will make an impact.

05 Work to create better health equity

Everyone should have a right to access equitable healthcare. Reflect on what you are doing to help improve the health and wellbeing of your customers, your community, and your team.

06 Improve connection

In a post-pandemic world, connection is a non-negotiable for our communities.

Pharmacists, as the most accessible frontline healthcare workers, continue to support people through the wave of mental health crises that have been exacerbated over previous years. How else can you support your community and your team?

How can you continue to provide community connection? Which partnerships in your local area could help you create an even greater impact?

Blooms The Chemist has implemented these steps with a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring we remain a purpose-led organisation. Key achievements and milestones for our business include:

• Developing our brand purpose that puts people and their wellbeing at the forefront of our objectives.
  
  
• Forming charity partnerships that support the communities we serve.
  
  
• Supporting the UN’s sustainable development goals.
  
  
• Releasing our first Modern SlaveryStatement and contributing to the elimination of modern slavery.
  
  
• Launching an Employee Assistance Program.
  
  
• Commencing the development of our first sustainability plan and Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
  
  
• Offering a medication blister pack recycling program in every pharmacy.

Every day, we have an opportunity to make decisions that impact the future of our people and our planet. By aligning our operations with what truly matters to our customers, team and community, we have successfully positioned ourselves as industry leaders. I take great pride in Blooms The Chemist’s unwavering commitment to fostering a future where every individual, regardless of their location, has access to quality health and wellbeing.