Your pharmacist, walking alongside you

For a pharmacist at IUIH, no two days are ever the same. Spending much of their time visiting clients at home, our pharmacists have a unique chance to yarn and connect with the people they meet.  

Pharmacist Jamie-Lee Woods, who’s worked at IUIH for three years, says creating bonds with the clients she visits is one of the most cherished parts of her role.  

“Having the time to get to know clients and spend time yarning with people is the best part of the job,” she says. “At IUIH, we have the time and space to have those yarns and also give the follow-up care too.” 

A significant part of the IUIH pharmacist role involves visits to client’s homes to perform medicine reviews – assessing their medications, offering guidance on drug interactions and side effects and providing education on how to best manage their meds. It’s this personal, in-home service that Jamie-Lee’s colleague, Matt Hoy, agrees is so rewarding.  

“You learn a lot when you go into someone’s home and listen to their stories,” he says. “You learn more about their life than just what’s happening with their medications, and it’s usually a bigger picture than you realise. Being able to go into people’s homes is a special privilege. We put a lot of time into those visits, and watching the results is rewarding.” 

Medicine reviews are offered as part of a free, nationwide programme for anyone who has a Medicare card. It can be ideal for people who have questions around their medications or would like help managing multiple scripts.  

“Even if a client doesn’t have any questions or concerns, they may be on multiple medications and want a second set of eyes over things,” says Jamie-Lee. “Guidelines can change and new medicines become available, so it’s never a bad idea to check with us.”  

Support with ongoing health and wellness

As well as medicine reviews, pharmacists can help with other aspects of medication and health, including the management of ongoing conditions such as diabetes, helping with pain management and making healthy lifestyle choices, and supporting clients to quit smoking or vaping.  

For both Matt and Jamie-Lee, a crucial part of their role is ensuring clients feel safe, supported and able to speak freely about any questions or concerns they may have. 

“We say to any client – if you’re not sure about something to do with your medication, just ask,” says Jamie-Lee. “We want everyone to know that there’s never any shame in asking.” 

To book an appointment with an IUIH pharmacist, chat to the reception team at any IUIH Network clinic. If you’d like to request a home visit, yarn with your GP to get a Home Medicine Review referral.