Since 2012, Erin Farrar has worked as a pharmacist at Community Care Chemist and now is Head Pharmacist at CCC’s Geelong West pharmacy. Erin has been an integral force behind the Sleep Apnoea Program and hopes to continue sharing her health knowledge with the residents of Greater Geelong.
Let’s get to know Erin and what makes her the pharmacist she is today.
What made you decide to become a pharmacist? How long have you been a pharmacist? When did you join CCC?
Pharmacy was something I fell into: with a strong science background and a family who are passionate about chemistry, becoming a pharmacist just seemed right. I have been a pharmacist for three years now and joined Community Care Chemist when I had been registered for just one week. I began my career with Community Care in Belmont where I stayed for two years before being appointed manager of the Geelong store, where I have been for just over a year now.
What excites you about being a pharmacist and in healthcare?
Health is so important! Everyone cares about their health and to be able to help someone is a great feeling. Medications are often scary and foreign to many people. Being a pharmacist, with rounded expertise in wellbeing I have the ability to allay fears through information and education. . I have a big interest in integrated medicines and it is exciting to see our general society moving towards proactive, whole health and an integrative medicine approach.
How and why are pharmacists so important to people?
We are the first point of call and we have a very broad knowledge of health care. We are easily accessible and can provide sound advice for most conditions. In Geelong West, I have launched a Sleep Apnoea program and it has made such a difference to so many of my patients’ lives. A pharmacy program like this has no waiting times and may lead to treatment almost instantly. Programs such as the Painwise chronic pain program at Belmont and the diabetes program at North Geelong Community Care demonstrate the value pharmacists can give back to their community – pharmacists also have the best medication knowledge of any health professional
How has the pharmacist’s role changed for people over the last five to ten years?
I was lucky enough to come into pharmacy at a pivotal time of change. Instead of the pharmacist predominantly having a ‘behind the counter’ role as seen in the past, CCC has lead the charge in making pharmacists more accessible. Over recent times, the public’s awareness of complementary medicines has been heightened so, as pharmacists we help to integrate prescribed medicines with more natural medicines, safely and advantageously for the patient.
Tell me about your CCC experience so far as a pharmacist?
For me, as a young pharmacist, Community Care Chemist was a model pharmacy to utilize my new professional skills. CCC encourages professionalism and expert knowledge which are very important to me. I have been able to work with a team of pharmacists which has lead me to develop more knowledge and skills than I would have if left in a busy pharmacy on my own. CCC has also helped to develop me as a leader and a pharmacist by investing in training, sometimes interstate.
Why is sleep apnoea such an important health issue to discuss in not only Greater Geelong but in Australia?
The statistics speak for themselves, 5% of Australians have sleep apnoea and of those patients 8/10 are not diagnosed! For a condition that can have such a big influence on your wellbeing, and that is so easy to treat, it is such a shame that so many people out there are being left untreated and undiagnosed. Untreated sleep apnoea may lead to increased blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, migraines and may even cut 10 years off your life.
What is on offer in terms of Sleep apnoea in Geelong West?
A simple diagnosis is available at my pharmacy with no waiting times, and the ability to have your sleep monitored while sleeping in your own bed.If a patient is diagnosed with the condition we offer a trial and purchase of CPAP machines and mouth guards.
What is your top advice to someone who may be affected by sleep aponea?
Get it checked out!
Why do you think sleep apnoea numbers are growing Australia wide?
Sleep apnoea is linked to obesity, however in saying that anyone can have it whether it be a young child or extremely fit person. As Australians get larger the number of people with sleep apnoea will increase
When someone enters CCC Geelong West, what will they discover?
A professional dispensary with an integrated medicine approach and happy, helpful staff.
Why do you think customer service is so important in a pharmacy?
Customers need to feel comfortable in speaking about their health and this is a lot more likely with a readily available, friendly and polite staff member
What do you enjoy outside of pharmacy?
Spending time out with my dogs, I have two boxers who are full of energy so we go for lots of walks. I am an Essendon member so I travel to Melbourne most weekends to watch the game. I also enjoy traveling and have recently returned from my honeymoon in Europe and am now holding out until my next big trip.
What is the last movie your saw and did you enjoy it?
After recently spending two weeks at home having had my appendix removed I watched a lot of movies, non of which were particularly good, but I am more a TV program person and have been really getting into The Walking Dead recently.
Name five people in your ultimate dinner party guest list and why?
The Dalai Lama, President Obama, Batman, Luis Suarez and Nelson Mandela. To discuss world peace and soccer.
