Pharmacist of the Year
Karen Donnelly, Associate Director Commercial, Teva UK Ltd, presents the award to Maria McGuinness, Belleek Pharmacy alongside Peter Rice, UCA-NI Chair
MARIA MCGUINNESS Belleek Pharmacy, Belleek
A
cross the United Kingdom, community pharmacy is increasingly raising its profile from that of a shop that dispenses
medicines, to a centre of healthcare in communities. Nowhere is this service to local healthcare more pertinent than in Belleek.
As a clinician, Maria embodies the concept of the pharmacist at the heart of healthcare in a community. Her focus on her community and her desire to provide it with everything that it needs in terms of healthcare services means that Belleek Pharmacy does not simply provide pharmacy services to local healthcare.
A few years ago, Maria was made aware of the fact that a complete medication review was required at the local nursing home. Maria worked in conjunction with the GP and, over the course of
the next few months, drew up a plan for medication reviews for the 30 residents. As a result, the nursing home staff were able to continue the review process thanks to Maria's comprehensive plan.
One of Maria's most innovative projects was when she tackled the issue of bisphosphonates. Patients, who take this medication, are advised to have regular dental checks while on this medication since osteonecrosis - a disease of the jaw - can be a rare, adverse effect.
Maria funded a research project, which investigated if these patients were maintaining good oral health and determined if patients had experienced adverse oral health while taking bisphosphonates.
The innovative project was such a success that Maria's son and daughter were invited to present their project at the International Pharmacy students Federation (IPsF) Congress in Harare, Zimbabwe and picked up second place in the educational Pharmacy Practice category.
Maria's standing in the local community is well established. No issue is too trivial for her to deal with.
The esteem in which Maria is held can be clearly seen from this testimonial, which was submitted by one of her patients, who had contacted the UCA-NI because she was so overwhelmed by the care and attention that Maria had given her during a difficult time. Michelle McAuley's words could be reiterated by many in the Belleek and surrounding areas.
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