AT THE HEART OF VILLAGE LIFE
The lifesaving pharmacy that never stops caring Saving lives
Belleek Pharmacy, on the outskirts of County Fermanagh, is a shining example of how community pharmacy can become the heart of a rural community.
Run by pharmacist Maria McGuinness for 41 years, with her daughter and fellow pharmacist Erin now at her side, the pharmacy has an outstanding track record of community service and compassion and delivers far beyond what is expected of a community pharmacy.
The pharmacy’s impact is evident through repeated real life examples from residents. Maria is regularly contacted outside of opening hours by patients and families who know that, even when the pharmacy is closed, they can still rely on her guidance and support. A cancer patient shared that without Maria’s help and listening ear, they might not be here today. This is just one example of Maria’s high standards of professional care and human compassion.
16
pharmacyinfocus.co.uk
These qualities are also demonstrated by Maria’s wider pharmacy team, including daughter Erin who earlier this year saved a patient’s life. The manager at Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre had phoned the pharmacy asking for help when an American tourist was experiencing chest pains. Erin went straight to the visitor centre where she spoke to the patient and advised the tour operator to get him urgent medical help.
“I had the driver of the coach take him to a local doctor’s office in Donegal, after which he was taken to Derry by ambulance where he had two stents put into his heart by 3.30pm. Essentially, Erin saved his life. The guests are eternally grateful for her professionalism and expertise as am I. She is a walking angel,” said tour operator Brid O Riordan.
This isn’t the only time Erin has saved someone’s life this year. A couple of months after the incident at the visitor centre, Erin stepped up again. One of the pharmacy’s patients had an epileptic seizure at home and was not breathing.
With no ambulance available at the local hospital, the 999 caller advised the patient’s wife to get a defibrillator while they arranged for a car to get to them. She rang Belleek Pharmacy and Erin was at the patient’s home in minutes.
“I was doing CPR when Erin arrived and she guided me through the steps, thankfully my husband took a breath and we didn’t have to use the defibrillator,” explained Ciara Hughes.
Erin stayed at the patient’s side until paramedics arrived, monitoring his breathing and making sure he was safe while he continued seizing.
“Erin was absolutely outstanding that day, she not only showed empathy to my husband but also to me, I suffer with anxiety-related panic attacks and Erin kept me calm doing breathing exercises with me to stop the panic attacks from coming on. We have had many hospital admissions over the years, I can safely say a lot of hospitals could do with more staff like Erin,” said Ciara.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
