Nigel Moloney, Co-owner and Supervisor Pharmacist with CarePlus Pharmacy in Carrigaline has become recognisable during the pandemic due to his efforts and work with the homeless community in Cork.
Making sure no-one misses out, he has dedicated a huge part of his time to assisting this sector and last Christmas also helped organise the distribution of over 500 care packs for men and women in need.
Dr Anna Marie Naughton, GP with the Adult Homeless Integrated Service says, “Nigel Moloney has made sure no-one misses out, as he has dedicated a large part of his time assisting the homeless community in Cork.
“Nigel has a longstanding relationship with the homeless services, we have worked closely with him providing medication for people with severe and enduring mental health, addiction including alcohol, polysubstance issues and the use of methadone substitution in heroin addiction.
“During our roll out of the Covid vaccine in homeless services during the summer, Nigel was an essential part of the team. We contacted him to help us with the vaccine. We had hoped for advice and that he might be able to attend for an hour or two but he unhesitatingly volunteered his time and attended our vaccine roll out for 6 full days in 3 different sites, all on his own time.
“He was so patient and methodical. It was a very complex undertaking and the presence of a qualified pharmacist managing the vaccines with crucial and no vaccines were wasted or unaccounted for. He provided training to the clinicians onsite. He was completely professional, a pleasure to work with and has already volunteered to assist with any booster rollouts.”
Comments Nigel, “Pharmacists in all communities can be a shoulder to cry on, not just someone who dispenses your medicines. It has been heart-warming and hugely rewarding to be part of the homeless projects around Cork.
“Our aim is simple – to provide the same level of care and attention to those who are marginalised or socially excluded as we do to those who attend the pharmacy in person. To have been recognized for this work was not expected, but so hugely appreciated. I am delighted at the light this Award is shining on the excellent and dedicated work being carried out by pharmacist colleagues across the country and anything that highlights the ongoing needs of the homeless people in our communities is most welcome as we start to enter the winter months.”
Closing Date for Voting: Monday November 1st, 2021
