Volunteer city pharmacists inspired to go bush and join cardiac clinic on wheels to share expert medicines advice for rural Aussies

Michelle Cassumbhoy is passionate about equality in healthcare and is committed to sharing her pharmacy expertise and advice beyond her home city of Melbourne. She has decided to head to regional Queensland and join the Heart of Australia cardiac clinic on wheels after reading about the initiative in pharmacy magazine Australian Pharmacist.

As a visiting pharmacist, Michelle will join fellow Melbourne pharmacist Alana Donaldson and spend their holiday break travelling with the mobile clinic providing comprehensive reviews of patients’ medicines and in-depth discussions about their medicine needs.

Both pharmacists believe there is a need for increased health services, advice and support in rural and regional Australia, particularly when it comes to taking medications correctly to ensure people remain healthy and well and avoid the risk of serious complications.

Michelle says “people often don’t realise the importance of taking medication as directed, particularly after a heart event or procedure. The consequences can be serious and in some cases even fatal.”

“Bayer has a commitment to the health and wellbeing of all Australians and we understand the challenges faced by people who live in remote and rural Australia,” commented Nelson Ambrogio, General Manager, Bayer Pharmaceuticals ANZ.

“Because of this we have supported Heart of Australia from when it was just a concept right through to the present day, as we see the services it provides as vital in trying to create equitable access to the health services these remote communities need.

“We are delighted to provide additional support to enable these community-spirited pharmacists to deliver this additional service alongside the Heart of Australia clinic.”