South Australia’s top pharmacist
by Linda Hein
Photo by Caroline Jeffrey, courtesy of Victor Harbor Times
The Victor Harbor pharmacist was presented with his award last month and says he was extremely pleased to be recognised for his efforts.
"Being a pharmacist is about more than just fulfilling prescriptions. It’s nice to have input and be involved in the care of the patient and the community and nice to be acknowledged for that," he says.
Since graduating in 1998, Turner has worked hard to establish himself as a pharmacist with a unique philosophy. His own business - Hayborough Pharmacy - is focused on tailored and individual care and is one of the few South Australian pharmacies that dispense their own remedies.
"We specialise in making things from scratch - ointments, hormones, capsules, lozenges and so on," he says.
"It used to happen a lot 50 years ago, and while it’s been lost in the last 20 years, we’re seeing a bit of resurgence now as people move towards natural and organic remedies. It’s a specialty field, which I love."
"I also do a lot of work as a consultant in the Victor Harbor community, with nursing homes, local GPs, hospital and advisory committees, and clinics for patients with diabetes and heart disease to educate them about their medication."
"Pharmacists generally aren’t in these roles, but it’s really rewarding."
Turner also hosts UniSA students as trainee and intern pharmacists and which he says also keeps his pharmacy up to date.
"It’s great to see where they’re up to and what new things they’re doing at Uni. It keeps us in the loop on any new trends and I also enjoy the teaching role.
"I think the focus on work experience for students is excellent. They can get ideas and exposure in the different directions they might take – from hospitals, lecturing, retail, or consulting for GPs."
For Turner, his training in both Australian and UK hospitals was a good base of experience, but he says settling in his own pharmacy was a natural choice.
"Hospitals gave me experience in everything from orthopedics, pediatrics, stroke wards to cardiology but the opportunity to start a pharmacy from scratch - and bring my own ideas and professionalism - was too good to pass up."