The Beenleigh Community Health Centre has launched a new dispensary to improve access to essential medications for its patients under mental health care. This initiative provides a much-needed resource for individuals who previously had to travel long distances to access their prescriptions.
Caroline Chiu, Senior Pharmacist Mental Health, who operates out of the new dispensary says this option allows for a better continuity of care for patients receiving mental health treatment.
"We felt that patients here were quite disadvantaged. If they needed medication that could only be dispensed from a hospital site, they had to travel back to Logan Hospital. Now, with the dispensary at the community centre, they have easier access right here in Beenleigh," said Caroline.
“This ensures that all patients are receiving equal care across the services.”
The dispensary operates once a week, offering medication refills, reviews of patient histories, and consultations. The team of pharmacists also works with doctors and case managers to ensure that patients are receiving the appropriate treatment.
"It’s very multidisciplinary. Everyone's input is valued when developing care plans for patients."
"We see a wide variety of patients here, from different cultural backgrounds and different care needs – from acutely unwell to less complex medication reviews."
“Initially, we didn't have pharmacists in the community, so I was in the inpatient setting.”
“It's been nice to build that rapport and see our patients in the community. When you work in an inpatient setting, it’s a comfort to know how a patient will transition out of acute care and also when we're giving advice on discharge as well, we can say exactly to them, this is the clinic you'll be going to and you will be seeing this person. And I'll probably see you as well when I'm out there. It’s a great continuity of care for them as well.”
The new dispensary, which opened in 2024, is part of the centre’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the mental health services it offers. Marcel, a long-time patient of the centre, shared how the dispensary has made his visits more efficient.
"It gives us a little push to keep coming," he said.
"And getting my medication straight from the community centre has been a huge benefit."
The process of setting up the dispensary was a year-long effort that involved coordination between various departments and funding from the Beenleigh team. This satellite pharmacy now serves patients referred through the mental health clinic, focusing on those receiving long-term treatments like clozapine, which requires close monitoring and specific dispensing protocols.
The success of this dispensary is attributed to the efforts of several dedicated individuals, including Marian Hjort, Senior Pharmacist and Snehal Palmer, Acting Team Leader for Mental Health and Community and Oral Health, who worked tirelessly to make the service a reality.
With the dispensary in place, the Beenleigh Community Health Centre continues to provide essential support to the local community, improving access to care and fostering a healthier environment for all.