Emerton Pharmacy wins National Award Nomination thanks to community focus

At the heart of the Emerton community lies a pharmacy with a vision for more than just medications - and that vision is reaping rewards for the only Western Sydney Pharmacy to be nominated for the 2024 Pharmacy of the Year Award.

Emerton Amcal Pharmacy, under the talented leadership of Margaret and Curtis Rahnau, and Matthew Quick, has become a cornerstone of community health and innovation. 

Their philosophy of "never seeing a need without trying to do something about it,"  has transformed the pharmacy into a unique hub of inclusive community engagement.

“The Blacktown area is a culturally-diverse community and our staff are reflective of that,” says Curtis Rahnau.

“We have pharmacists with Fijian-Indian backgrounds, Afghan, Syrian, another one from Iraq and another from Lebanon. Our non-pharmacy staff are just as diverse, including Australian First Nations.”

The development of the pharmacy's community connection started by volunteering at Marrin Weejali Health Outreach in nearby Blackett, and since then their involvement has grown exponentially. The team has been integral in delivering health programs for locals and have actively participated in events like International Overdose Awareness Day and Mental Health Day. 

Their collaborative efforts with Western Sydney Local Health District on Quit Smoking programs and their role as local coordinators for the ‘Too Deadly’ for Diabetes program highlight their commitment to public health initiatives. That commitment has certainly not gone unnoticed, with the Emerton Pharmacy being one of six nationwide to receive a nomination.

Curtis said the programs are making a real difference by getting real results.

“It’s actually reversing diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," he says.

“We have an Indigenous exercise physiologist who is dealing with some of the most challenged and disadvantaged groups in the country.”

Innovation at Emerton Amcal Pharmacy is evident through their development of a Webster-Pak booklet. Designed to simplify medication management for patients, this booklet has since been adopted by Webstercare for wider, national use. Their expertise in pharmacy services is acknowledged by local doctors, who frequently recommend their reliable and accurate Webster-Pak service.

The pharmacy's physical design also reflects their inclusive approach, with features like a moving wall for group sessions and integrated spaces for Opioid Replacement Therapy and Needle and Syringe Return programs. The team's commitment to professional development is also evident in their participation in various health programs and cultural competency courses, ensuring they can effectively serve the community to the best of their ability.

As Curtis says, “No matter how people say welcome or how they identify, we want them to know they’re welcome by all of us in our pharmacy.”

The winner of the Pharmacy of the Year award will be announced at the 2024 APP Conference, held on the Gold Coast in March.

You can find the Emerton Amcal Pharmacy at Shop 21 in Emerton Village, located on Bunting Street in Emerton.