The Hallowian - Volume I 2021 - Flipbook - Page 26
managing people’s expectations and
anxiety about medication availability.
The Government placed restrictions on
pharmacists dispensing more than one
month’s supply of medication, as well
as eligibility to purchase Ventolin. Most
people were understanding and thanked
us for choosing to remain open to provide
service to the community. However,
understandably due to the significant
anxiety around medication availability, I
experienced some verbal abuse, but that
is something that comes with the role of a
health professional.
Pharmacist
(Class of 2001)
I started to notice an increase in sales of
face masks and hand sanitisers in January
2020. I thought customers were mostly
buying for relatives overseas; little did
I know. By February, the situation had
changed dramatically. These products, as
well as disinfectants, were sold out and
wholesalers indicated that stock would
not be replenished for at least four to six
months across multiple brands. This was
something I had never seen before in my
15 years in pharmacy.
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By the end of February 2020, pharmacy,
as well as the whole health system,
was dealing with a lot of uncertainty
about how to manage the risk of
infection amongst customers and staff.
Additionally, we were dealing with panic
buying of medications. This situation
put a significant strain on the pharmacy
supply chain. Customers stocking up on
their prescription medications, Ventolin
and even paracetamol led to significant
shortages which further panicked
people. It was extremely stressful
The Hallowian | 2021
The past 12 months have made me
more grateful for the amazing health
system and facilities we have in Australia.
Of course, there is always room for
improvement, but we are in a far better
situation compared with many other
people across the world.
“
“
Bridget Delahunty
Recently, I have been involved with
the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in
the hospital system. It has been a very
fulfilling experience learning the process
and complexities of setting up such a
huge rollout in a short period of time,
across different levels of government.
The past 12 months
have made me more
grateful for the amazing
health system and
facilities we have in
Australia.
Mentoring
really matters
Being able to talk to someone who has a similar shared experience to you, someone who can offer non-judgemental
support in an informal relationship or setting can make a world of difference to young people experiencing mental,
social, emotional or academic challenges.
The Past Pupils’ Association, through the Year 13 Project, is actively supporting the Sister/Mentor program as a way
to keep our recent alumni connected with the Schools’ current students. We know the benefits of mentoring are
positive and significant for both these groups within our extended All Hallows’ community.
By volunteering as mentors, our recent graduates will have an ongoing sense of connection and belonging at what
can be a transitionally challenging time as they deal with ‘life after school’. They in turn bring their empathy and
‘normalised’ experience to the conversations and interactions they have with current students, who may be dealing
with the challenges of school, grades, self-esteem and conflicts with friends, peers, teachers and parents.
The School is always keen to add recent alumni to its Sister/Mentor Program to assist with tutoring, camps, retreats,
study groups, curriculum initiatives, leadership days and life skills training. The supportive, healthy relationships
formed between mentors and mentees can be both immediate and long-term and contribute to a multitude of
benefits for both, and increase the ongoing sense of connectivity which is at the heart of the extended All Hallows’
community.
To find out more about being a sister/mentor, please contact Ms Sue Havers on
HeadofSeniorSchool@ahs.qld.edu.au and 07 3230 9583.
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2021 | The Hallowian
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