Hilary Dolan is awarded the title of The People’s Pharmacist for 2021. This is following a nationwide voting campaign that saw over 13,000 votes and a reach of over half a million!
Irish Pharmacy News have announced Hilary Dolan, Pharmacist and Owner of The Mill Pharmacy in Coolaney, Sligo, as the winner of The People’s Pharmacist 2021.
The People’s Pharmacist Award, launched in October of this year, sought nominations from across the country. The award gives members of the public a unique opportunity to recognise in addition to saluting their local pharmacist.
Covid-19 hit Irish shores 18 months ago, GP surgeries closed and hospitals filled to capacity. But pharmacy doors remained open.
The public’s recognition of how pharmacists stepped up to the frontline was evident with over 700 nominations received. From these nominations, eight finalists were shortlisted and put to a public vote which took place during early November.
There was a reach of over 500,000 (half a million) and over 13,000 actual votes. Therefore the search for the People’s Pharmacist took the nation by storm. Hilary Dolan is from the small village of Coolaney in Sligo is the official winner. She was presented with her Award at an event with local Cathaoirleach of Sligo Country council, Cllr Paul Taylor in attendance.
One of the nominations for Hilary is from June Boyle, whose life Hilary saved.
Junes’ Story about her Pharmacist Hilary
After discovering a bleed on the brain during an eye test in early summer this year, June’s on-call GP contacted Hilary out-of-hours to open the pharmacy. This was for high dose steroids for the swelling, prior to June getting to Galway University Hospital.
June told us, “I have the best pharmacist in the world. What rapidly turned into a medical emergency and fight for life for me was terrifying, but Hilary never faltered in her care and compassion.
“Her fast action and quick response literally saved my life. I have now been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Hilary has been remarkable. Her support has been invaluable. She brings the medication to my house on days there is no one to pick it up. She explains and goes through everything so thoroughly as she knows my brain takes bit longer to process information. Her patience, kindness, positivity is truly remarkable. I am grateful every day to have such an amazing support pharmacy in my village.”
Hilary comments, “Without a doubt, nomination for such an Award is an enormous honour for me, professionally, but also, to a far greater extent, personally.
“These past 18 months have been unparalleled in the challenges that they have brought about, not least in our community. Yet, to read such sincere and heartfelt comments from June, a woman who has exuded class and courage throughout the challenges that have come her way over the pandemic, is a touching reminder of why I became a pharmacist.
“While any recognition for my work is of course welcome, the appreciation of my patients here in Coolaney, where immense hospitality and friendliness is a given, is as fulfilling an award as I could ask for.”
Find out more about The People’s Pharmacist Awards HERE
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