Working Life: Elizabeth Lang, community pharmacist

A day in the life of community pharmacist Elizabeth Lang of Burke’s Life Pharmacy, Sligo.

7am

Working part-time in the pharmacy means my working week starts on Thursdays. I sort myself out before I give my children a 10-minute warning to rise and shine.

8.15am

I aim to be out the door for my 35-minute commute to Sligo from Tubbercurry. My husband, Anthony, does the school run.

9am

I’m at the counter in Burkes Pharmacy, ready to greet the first customer of the day. Burkes is a family owned independent pharmacy and has been looking after the medical needs of the people of Sligo for three generations.

A busy and vibrant shop, we have a great team — four pharmacists, and seven support staff and technicians. Our focus is to offer a great customer experience, expert advice and new pharmacy services.

11am

Staff members are treated to something nice for their morning break. I usually opt for yoghurt and coffee.

12 noon

I check healthmail for the list of respite patients due to be admitted to the nursing home we service on the following Monday. I liaise with the patient’s family and/ or doctor to ensure we can deliver the medication required for their stay. I complete a clinical review of prescriptions at the time of dispensing, checking they are valid, legal and safe for the patient. These are assembled by the technician, rechecked by the pharmacist then brought to the patient. We field calls from customers and doctors throughout the day.

1.30pm

I have lunch and run a few errands.

2.30pm

At the moment we are advising customers on how to get winter ready. I administer the flu vaccine to a couple of customers. I also help a customer of young children regarding winter wellness by advising on which over-the-counter medications to have in the house and remind her of the importance of good hand hygiene and good coughing etiquette so as to prevent the spread of viruses.

6pm

Rush home to get ready for karate. Anthony and I took up karate in January much to the mortification of our three teenage sons who will grade for their black belts next year. It’s definitely improving my concentration and stamina.

9pm

I put my daughter, Ella, to bed and remind my sons that screen time is over. We all head to bed by 10.30pm.