It’s obvious that Laura Stewart’s passion is caring for the community she lives in.
Laura has just been named the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s WA Pharmacist of the Year for 2023.
The prestigious award honours pharmacists who go above and beyond and Laura's dedication to community pharmacy in the Pilbara has been unwavering for the last 17 years.
She has expanded numerous services in the pharmacy including posting a regular pharmacist to the Mawarnkarra Health Service in Roebourne and increasing the number of pharmacists across Pharmacy 777’s North West locations - her leadership has also allowed regional community patients to access a pharmacist when they visit the pharmacy.
“I’m so humbled by this award, especially because my team nominated me,” Laura said.
“This award is really for them, it’s amazing to be surrounded by such good people.”
Laura is passionate about ensuring patients in the Pilbara are supported and always receive the same level of service as those in the city. From state-of-the-art health services to extended opening hours and giving shift workers the opportunity to visit the pharmacy outside regular hours.
“I’m really passionate about regional people having access to high quality health care. I live there, it’s my community, and I want to deliver on that. I want them to get the same quality care you access in the big cities,” Laura said.
“Working regionally is challenging and rewarding, you get to see and do a lot of things you wouldn’t do in the city. The lifestyle is fantastic, and the people are great.
“You also get to connect with other healthcare professionals in a strong and meaningful way. I really like that about regional and remote health. You get to develop strong relationships.
“I encourage interns to come and experience it and we bring students to the bush from all over the country.
“Everything we do at Pharmacy 777 is patient centred, it’s about delivering high quality service and healthcare, we focus on exceptional service and I love that about the group.”