Working Life: Proud of the role pharmacists play in helping reduce hospitalisations

Dónal O’Sullivan, pharmacist, Boots, Macroom, Co Cork

Dónal O’Sullivan, pharmacist, Boots, Macroom

5am

As I love the gym, I don’t mind the early start. 

The equipment is excellent and I enjoy the craic with some of the regular customers and with Bobby Enright, gym owner and trainer.

7am

At home, I shower, have a bowl of muesli, and brush my teeth before hitting the road for Macroom. 

Although I live in Killarney, the journey has improved hugely with the Macroom bypass. Getting stuck behind trucks is a thing of the past.

8.30am

Shop opens. I complete administration tasks initially, such as reviewing emails from Boots managers and catching up on messages in my diary. 

I also check fridge, shop, and dispensary temperatures.

One of the most satisfying aspects of being a pharmacist is the ability to vaccinate patients against influenza, covid, and RSV, a common virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. 

I feel proud of the important role pharmacists play in helping to reduce hospitalisations as the incidence of flu and other viruses can be high, particularly at this time of year.

I am also busy providing services to support our local community, such as blood pressure measurements, health MOTs, emergency contraception, travel vaccinations, and HPV vaccinations. 

The latter is to help protect against human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted disease that can cause cervical cancer. I like to use my training as an Irish Cancer Society information pharmacist.

1pm

Barbecue salmon salad — my favourite — is devoured over lunch at the back of the store.

3pm

We offer a repeat prescription service. This means that a patient’s regular medicines are ready in advance and they receive a text message. 

When customers collect their medicines, it’s a good opportunity for me to catch up with them. 

Throughout the day, I will assist customers with minor ailments and over-the-counter medications. 

The life of a pharmacist is varied. I enjoy it as we have a great team in Boots Macroom.

6.30pm

The store closes and I head home to Killarney, where I catch up with my wife Majella. 

I like to have a big dinner and read the Irish Examiner online before watching a recording of Strictly Come Dancing with my daughter Camille, 12. 

I also look forward to listening to my son Oscar, 15, talk about his rowing training.

9.30pm

As I’m early to rise, I’m also early to bed.