COMMUNITY members are being urged to back Millicent Chemist and Giftware following the loss of a lucrative service agreement.
Up to four jobs are facing the axe at the George Street retailer after it was dumped as Boneham Aged Care Services’ long-time medication packing supplier.
Mount Gambier’s Chemist King will supply packaged medication – otherwise known as Webster Packs – to the facility as of October 30.
Millicent Chemist and Giftware pharmacist in charge Usman Hameed said staff were shocked after being notified of the aged care facility’s decision to terminate the long-held service agreement.
“We found out through one of the patients and the staff’s reaction was shock,” he said.
“Obviously it’s going to impact all of us, but specifically staff members with jobs losses or the loss of hours.
“We have provided this service to Boneham for more than 10 years.
“It is a long time and people are aware we can provide exceptional service.
“Our staff provide an efficient and customised service to the facility.”
Millicent Chemist and Giftware retail manager Tina Smith said the service agreement, which saw the provision of 90 patient volume scripts and over the counter medications for the facility’s residents, offered a number of financial and efficiency benefits.
“We offer a free packing service and free delivery six days a week,” she said.
“We also provide free regular information to Boneham staff regarding medication use and provide free regular medication reviews for patients.
“There have been times when we get a phone call from Boneham about a new medication or service and we will go down and walk them through it.
“We provide extremely efficient service with emergency supplies being supplied on an urgent basis and in a matter of minutes.”
Mr Hameed said the pharmacy’s recent acquisition of a state of the art $200,000 electronic medication management tool was aimed at decreasing costs, increasing patient medication compliance and increasing pack output.
“With recent advancements we have been able to provide packing services to Boneham Aged Care Facility free of charge since the start of September,” he said.
“Wiping of costs of the packaging is not efficient, but it’s better than losing four staff.”
In a letter to residents and family members, Boneham Aged Care Services acting general manager Peter Lowndes said the facility had decided to change medication packaging suppliers in a bid to provide better value for money and improved service.
The letter states the new supplier, Mount Gambier-based Chemist King will offer competitive pricing on over the counter medications, expanded payment options, staff education and an independent review of medications.
“The main thing you will notice is a change to where the bill comes from at the end of the month and the addition of a direct debit payment option,” the letter says.
“All existing services will remain the same and medication will be supplied in Webster-packs.”
Ms Smith said while their had been moves by individual residents to remain as customers, additional community assistance was needed to retain jobs.
“We’ve had residents who have said they’re keeping their accounts with us,” she said.
“As a part of a small community, we have had a proud history of providing exceptional service to the community year after year.
“It is important we provide the same high quality service while keeping local jobs intact.”
The South Eastern Times has approached Boneham Aged Care Services general manager and board of management chair for comment, but has not received a reply by press time yesterday.
