October 21, 2020
Kingaroy pharmacy assistant Belinda Sorensen is one of the top five people in her job in Queensland … and she has the certificate to prove it!
Belinda, who works at the Discount Drug Stores chemist shop in Kingaroy, was recently selected as a State finalist in the The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award.
She was one of just five finalists selected across the State from 350 nominations.
Belinda was nominated by her Pharmacy Guild trainer to receive the award.
“It’s big thing to be recognised in the top five,” Belinda told southburnett.com.au
“It confirms that I am doing a good job.”
In fact, it’s the second time Belinda has made it through to the finals of the prestigious awards – she was also a finalist in 2013 – so she’s definitely doing something right.
Her boss, pharmacist Barry Lonsdale, said he was thrilled that Belinda had been nominated for the award and had been named a finalist.
“She’s always enthusiastic to get the best help for the customers,” he said.
Barry also praised Belinda’s product knowledge, especially in the natural health area.
“She’s an asset to the business!” he said.
Discount Drug Stores head Patrick Stoll said he was extremely proud of Belinda for her successful nomination.
He acknowledged her as a “shining example” of what knowledge, devotion and compassion for the community can achieve.
Patrick said essential workers, including pharmacy assistants, had been risking their own health and well-being daily during the pandemic “to go above and beyond for their local communities”.
Belinda admitted that 2020 had been one of the most challenging years to date for the pharmacy industry.
“My colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to be consistent role models within our community, particularly with COVID-19 bringing so many new challenges to us all,” she said.
“This year has been not only about COVID compliance, but also looking for ways to offer further essential customer support.
“We’ve provided a regular empathetic ear to all of our customers, whenever they’ve needed it.
“Having an understanding and supportive approach has never been more important than it has this year.”
