Pharmacy Hub delighted with support from local community
Michelle O’Hagan is a local Community Pharmacist in Killinarden where she opened up her own independent Pharmacy ‘Pharmacy Hub’ over a year ago in Mace Killinarden.
Having 25 years experience in Community Pharmacy, Michelle has a real passion for her profession and her growing customer base is testament to this.
Killinarden Hub staff members – Rita Radburn, Nuala O’Connor, Michelle O’Hagan, Hasley Kluba and Sara Toselli
Michelle worked in Dublin for 15 years before finding a community she found affinity with and identified a gap where she can reach out to the community and offer support in her everyday role.
In May, Michelle was delighted to receive a nomination for People’s Pharmacist of the Year 2019 and was overwhelmed by the support from the community and beyond.
“I feel so proud and privileged to represent and serve a community where the people engage with you and place their trust in you.”
There’s a team of six working in the Pharmacy Hub, with relevant qualifications to support their role, and the overall service provided.
The Pharmacy Hub offers a range of services in addition to dispensing medicines and offering general counselling on medication.
“We offer annual flu, pneumococcal vaccination, morning-after pill, blood-pressure monitoring, blister packing, text prescription order, smoking cessation and weight management plan, as well as basic first aid, friendly over-the-counter advice, and a range of daily essentials and gifts – considering our space, we pack a lot in.”
Michelle also has a diploma in veterinary medicine and, having two dogs of her own, she can offer advice on your pets’ general healthcare and implement flea and worm schedules.
Also expressing an interest in alternative healthcare, she has a qualification in homeopathy which enables her to suggest varied treatment options in appropriate cases.
“Our number one priority is to listen to our customers, talk to them about their medical concerns and advise a best course of action, whilst offering a friendly, approachable professional service and support.”
As a resource to the community the pharmacy holds a monthly book exchange on the last Friday of the month and chooses a health topic to create awareness and get customers talking.
In the future Michelle hopes the role of the pharmacist is extended in the community to offer a minor-ailment scheme which will reduce pressure on GPs and make everyday healthcare more accessible for everyone.
